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Peter Crowther

@pjcrowther.bsky.social
119 followers 190 following 49 posts

Work at Birmingham City University. BCU UCU Professional Services Rep, UCU West Midlands Regional Secretary and National ARPS Committee. Love Radio, Journalism, Technicians, Trade Unions, 3D Printing, Public Transport and Jet Lag: The Game.

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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Hope has felt quite distant at times for me recently. The story of Mamdani’s nomination, then election, then this ⬇️ continues to blow my mind. Here’s to more courageous, steadfast, gentle, and kind politics in 2026 the world over.
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Good to see you, old friend. Thanks to the BBC News Streams team for having me today and especially all round good egg Will Allott. I’ve got plenty to take back to our students @mybcu.bsky.social.
The facade of BBC New Broadcasting House at night, lit up in blue.
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
I only came third in the #RadTechCon quiz at the end! I’m off up the Emley Moor mast!
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
This news has made me so happy. In a city I’ve never stepped foot in, a masterclass in labour organising.
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Strike Map @strikemap.org · 20/09/2025
Pay cuts are rubbish 🪧 We were proud to support the excellent Brum Bin Strike march & demo organised by @unitetheunion.bsky.social . The support for this dispute is getting stronger. Your move Keir Starmer (c) 📷 @redhen90.bsky.social #StrikeMap #Solidarity #BirminghamBinStrike
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Jack @jbb92.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
It's also really worth stressing that BCU is not loss-making and was profitable for the entirety of the five years I was there. Changes are being made solely because this is what this VC wants. He'll implement them, move on, and leave a diminished institution in a great city.
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Jack @jbb92.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
www.birminghamdispatch.co.uk/a-new-vice-c... This is an excellent piece. I was at BCU until April (left for another job, not part of either redundancy scheme), the atmosphere was garbage at the time and according to my colleagues has only gotten worse.
birminghamdispatch.co.uk
Backlash at BCU: the divisive reign of David Mba
The vice chancellor says he's bringing much needed change - and anyone who disagrees can get out of his way
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Strike Map @strikemap.org · 25/07/2025
SHUT IT DOWN 2 Five sites, one day. Not a wheel turned. Victory to the Brum Bin workers. #Megapickets work, pass it on. #StrikeMap
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
A very early but very worthwhile start of the day supporting the Brum bin workers picket at the Birmingham Perry Barr Depot representing @bcu-ucu.bsky.social, we shut the place down! I’ll take that energy into meeting with management today as 342 staff are still at risk of compulsory redundancy.
Workers from an array of unions standing in front of the gates at the Perry Barr Bin Depot. A bin lorry unable to leave the depot is in the background. Workers in front of the Perry Barr bin depot preventing a bin lorry from leaving. They are holding flags, banners and placards.
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
“Warwick is distinctive because it’s real.” Using university funds to pay for an advertorial in Vogue Singapore where an executive is featured in a fashion photoshoot and discusses his legacy is possibly one of the most tone-deaf moves I’ve ever seen in UKHE and the bar was already incredibly high.
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BCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Professional Services rep and @ucu.org.uk negotiator @pjcrowther.bsky.social reads out a list of the areas affected by cuts and downgrades at our lunchtime lobby of the @mybcu.bsky.social governors today. No to redundancies, no to downgrading, no to cuts to student support!
Professional Services rep Pete reading a list of areas affected by cuts at lobby
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BCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
🚨 Lobby the BCU governors! 🚨 On Wed 16th BCU governors are meeting for an update on the current review, which has put 342 staff at risk of redundancy & cuts student support in multiple ways. Join our lobby: 1pm outside Parkside Building Bring your solidarity and your sun cream! #SaveBCU
UCU members outside BCU
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Please support @bcu-ucu.bsky.social and sign our petition to stop the threat of compulsory redundancy for 342 staff. chng.it/nKTdm2RCZ7 @ucu.org.uk branches we need your support!
chng.it
Sign the Petition
Stop redundancies and cuts to student support at Birmingham City University
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Production underway for the next batch of Join UCU fidget toys for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social’s recruitment push as we battle the threat of compulsory redundancy with 342 colleagues put at risk.
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warwickuniucu.bsky.social @warwickuniucu.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
when you and your bestie* accidentally show up in a matching outfit * and by you and your bestie we mean universities prioritising branding and vibes over students and staff
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Mama said don’t cross picket lines. ✊
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
A beautiful day in the Black Country today for the Women Chainmakers’ Festival. Privildged to carry the @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with our wonderful Branch Chair @illdoitanyway.bsky.social in the march remembering the courage of the Cradley Heath Chainmakers.
The march which is the culmination of the festival. On the left of the picture is a banner for the Birmingham District of the National Education Union. In the centre is a red banner for Birmingham City University UCU. It reads “Knowledge is Power. Unity is Strength”. A photograph of me holding the BCU UCU banner in the march along Cradley Heath High Street. BCU UCU Chair, Rhiannon Lockley, sat behind a table with a microphone in front of her. She is part of a panel of women discussing women’s rights.
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BCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
BCU UCU members 📢 Branch meeting Monday 1pm. Check your email for your link. Come along to build our collective fight-back!
BCU UCU members in sunshine with banner at strike rally
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UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
A MASSIVE WIN AT NEWCASTLE UNI ICU
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Rhiannon Lockley (she/her) @illdoitanyway.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Rhianwen Roberts, @ucu.org.uk FE policy officer, opens her keynote at the BCU FE conference with a message of solidarity for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social & all affected by the 340 potential redundancies announced. Calls on leadership to take them off the table & to negotiate with the branch.
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Phenomenal work from @ducuuo.bsky.social. They’ve worked tirelessly to save jobs amidst a crisis not of their own making. Surely BCU can see the light and take compulsory redundancy off the table when our finances are in good order? @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Absolute legends! ✊ Great to see this as we start a fresh struggle @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Please sign this petition for @ucusurrey.bsky.social. We’ve already lost our new professional services colleagues to a subsidiary @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with a weaker pension provision and no union representation. This needs to be resisted at every institution!
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Awful to see the great city of Liverpool suffer on what was such a joyous day. I was in town until early this afternoon for @ucu.org.uk Congress and the atmosphere building was wonderful and friendly. The community they showed today in celebration will get them through this horrible ordeal. #YNWA
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University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 26/05/2025
#UCU2025 Congress has voted to raise a trade dispute with the government. @drjogrady.bsky.social On BBC Radio 4 this morning our general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social lays out the stark reality of the crisis facing our sector
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Rhiannon Lockley (she/her) @illdoitanyway.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
#YNWA #FreePalestine Not a football or sport person, never felt so safe and uplifted around fans as the crowds I am stuck in today! Liverpool ❤️
Father and daughter showing me their Palestine Liverpool flags on their backs
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Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
There’s always salami left in the salami stand:
ft.com
Funding for ‘high cost’ university courses to be cut in England
Education secretary says top-up support for subjects including media must be scaled back because of ‘extremely challenging’ fiscal environment
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Not saying getting active @ucu.org.uk improves the weather but I joined @newcastleucu.bsky.social’s picket last week and have had the most stunning few days in the north-east.
Durham Catherdral seen from the banks of the River WearThe inside of Hexham Abbey. Ornate arches with a stained glass window at the end. The 1900s street at Beamish Museum. Filled with Victorian shops and houses. The arch of the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle with a blue sky behind.
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TUC North East, Yorkshire & Humber @tucneyh.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
📸 Huge thanks to everyone who joined today’s emergency rally and mass picket at Newcastle University. ✊ The trade union movement stands united behind UCU members fighting mass redundancies. Solidarity makes us strong – and visible #ProtectEducationNow
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
As a trainee journalist in Huddersfield I always wanted to get into BBC Look North. Very proud to appear on the programme tonight stood alongside @newcastleucu.bsky.social on their picket today.
A screen grab from BBC Look North this evening. It shows a UCU picket line in front of Newcastle University’s King’s Gate building.
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
I’ve visited the @newcastleucu.bsky.social picket this morning to bring some Brummie solidarity from @bcu-ucu.bsky.social. Great turnout here.
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Strike Map @strikemap.org · 09/05/2025
BREAKING | We shut it down!!!! Today, the Megapicket has shut down the Lifford Lane depot. #StrikeMap
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Rhiannon Lockley (she/her) @illdoitanyway.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Our brilliant Professional Services rep @pjcrowther.bsky.social speaking up for PS members at the @bcu-ucu.bsky.social strike rally #BCUstrike 🪧
Pete in sun with mic, me in background, shadows on paving slabs, glass building front of Parkside behind
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
My favourite homemade sign from our picket line yesterday @bcu-ucu.bsky.social.
A hand drawn sign reading: The only “deficit approach” I’ve seen is in the number of chairs I had for students.
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Solidarity from @bcu-ucu.bsky.social. I’m a big fan of spoon mic! 🥄 🎤 ✊
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Dr Kate Carruthers Thomas @drkcarrutherst.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
@bcu-ucu.bsky.social - and nice of HR to show an interest at the rally today ... 😎
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BCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
What a brilliant day! Solidarity forever, we are very proud of our branch! 🤩🤩🤩
People gathered around banner
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Perfect support in the form of ice lollies from the @mybcu.bsky.social Students’ Union. Thanks so much! @bcu-ucu.bsky.social #BCUStrike #1stMay
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Just one out picket lines for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social today. We’re outside Curzon but we’re also outside Parkside, Millenium Point, Benjamin Zephaniah and Seacole. Come and join us! #BCUStrike
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Birmingham Trades Union Council @birminghamtuc.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
✊🏾✊🏽MAY DAY 🚨BIRMINGHAM🚨 SOLIDARITY✊🏿✊🏻 THURSDAY 1 MAY Pickets - from 8am - 12pm for Bin Workers and BCU strikers (see image for details) Rally 12pm - Parkside, Curzon St, B4 7BD Teachout 2pm - Woodman, B4 7XG, Smoke Room Solidarity Social - Unite, 30 Jennens Rd, B7 4EH
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BCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
It’s on! BCU @ucu.org.uk members take strike action this Thursday 1st May. Pickets: - Seacole: 8:30 - 10 - Benjamin Zephaniah: 8:30 - 10:30 - Curzon, Parkside & Millenium Point: 8:30 - 12 Rally for jobs and professional respect: 12-1 in front of Parkside Building Teachout 2-3.30 Woodman
BCU UCU strike: Thursday 1st May
Pickets:
- Seacole: Westbourne Rd 8:30 - 10am
- Benjamin Zephaniah: 15 Bartholomew Row 8:30 - 10:30am
- Curzon: 4 Cardigan St; Parkside: 5 Cardigan Street; Millenium Point:
Curzon St, All 8:30 - 12 noon
Rally for jobs and professional respect:
12-1 in front of Parkside Building
Teachout and BCU UCU social:
Woodman, Smoke Room (ground floor) 2-3:30 (teachout); 3:30 on (social)
Bimingham Trades Council Mayday solidarity social in support of BU UCU and other union disputes:
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
A quote from a member at Cardiff in this article says it all: “It’s all right for Langley [external consultant] and Larner [Vice Chancellor] – they’re just visiting. They won’t be in Cardiff when the university has crashed as a result of their ‘experiential and imaginative’ approach."
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
It was a pleasure to represent the West Midlands Regional Committee at tonight's inaugural lecture in memory of Agnes Flues. I didn't have the priviledge to know Agnes personally but I know she was a good friend to many activists across the Midlands, both East and West.
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
It's 12 years today since I heard work that was completely my own coming out of the radio. I produced a documentary about the Bradford Odeon, which looks like it may finally reopen this year as Bradford Live, it looks beautiful.
The auditorium of the refurbished Bradford Odeon, now Bradford Live. Rows of seats in the circle are in the foreground with the stage in the distance.
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BCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Ballot result is back for BCU UCU. Congratulations to everyone who has worked to support a successful democratic process! Notice served of discontinuous strike action, with an initial strike day called on 1st May. Time for professional respect and job security.
media.tenor.com
union power is people power is written in white on a black background
Alt: union power is people power is written in white on a black background
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Yes please! youtu.be/-27a1ugJX8U?...
youtu.be
Pulp - Spike Island (Official Video)
YouTube video by Pulp
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Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
#UCU members from across the West Midlands region stand in solidarity with @uniteucu.bsky.social. Union staff are a vital part of our movement and deserve respect and trust.
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Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Out-of-office We are not currently at work due to taking part in escalating strike action called by Unite, the trade union for UCU staff, over our Campaign for a Safe & Professional Workplace Culture. Our strikes this week run for 4 days from 7 to 10 April. uniteucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/07/u...
uniteucu.wordpress.com
UCU staff: on strike and needing your support
Dear UCU members, Out-of-officeWe are not currently at work due to taking part in escalating strike action called by Unite, the trade union for UCU staff, over our Campaign for a Safe and Professio…
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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
I hoped #UCU would redouble efforts to resolve the @uniteucu.bsky.social staff dispute Instead our own union-as-employer has issued management instructions NOT to use tactics #UCU members have routinely been advised to use *by #UCU* Then this page was deleted: web.archive.org/web/20230218... 1/7
web.archive.org
Out of office messages
Suggested text for email footers and 'out of office' messages.
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Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Our picket line at Alpha Tower in Birmingham this morning ✊
Picketers with raised fists and Unite flags
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