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University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Strike action is ON!!! Next week will be the first of 4 weeks of striking from our members as we continue to say NO to the compulsory redundancies forced on us by the university for their poor financial choices. #StopTheCuts #SaveHE

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QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

UCU has been fighting employers' efforts to make 100% pay deductions for Action Short of Strike legal through practice since 2019. We're not stopping now that our own UCU Senior Management is replicating the same worst practice. Much solidarity to @uniteucu.bsky.social.

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Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Sometimes solutions are easy @drjogrady.bsky.social & @ucu.org.uk Let’s sit down and talk without conditions or threats that damage everyone. It’s time to resolve this dispute. Our statement, with support from the following branch committees:

We call on Jo Grady and UCU SMT to:
• Enter negotiations with Unite UCU without preconditions.
• Stop the threat of punitive deductions for ASOS - this breaches UCU and TUC policy and only serves to undermine all of us, not least those UCU members currently involved in legal test cases against punitive deductions after taking lawful industrial action.

Signed, 25 UCU branch committees (and counting)

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QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Drafting a more extensive response, but for now we think that (1) @uniteucu.bsky.social rock [branch position, voted on in motions], (2) that this is no way of treating staff [union position, voted on in Congress], and (3) everyone should read this blog: uniteucu.wordpress.com/2025/09/04/u...

uniteucu.wordpress.com

UCU deploys “vindictive” union-busting tactics in attempt to crush staff union

Unite the union members working for the University and College Union vote to take further industrial action with a 76% Yes vote for strike action on a 77% turnout This was their third consecutive s…

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Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

🚨 Third consecutive vote for industrial action 🚨 ✅ strike action: 76% ✅ action short of a strike (ASOS): 80% ✅ turnout: 77% ASOS begins today with @ucu.org.uk threatening staff: "We'll deduct your wages." Double standards and vindictive attacks undermine us all. #ReclaimUCU

Jo Grady calling Queen Mary management "vindictive" for making deductions from UCU members taking action short of a strike: Jo Grady, UCU's general secretary, said Queen Mary's senior management had "launched a vindictive attack" on its members, "punishing them for taking part in lawful industrial action" and "cementing its reputation as the worst university employer in the UK" She said: "It is wrong to do this at any time and all the more deplorable as staff struggle to make ends meet in a cost of living crisis."

Screen shot of the article from The Guardian about Queen Mary ASOS deductions in which Jo Grady is quoted

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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Why is our trade union emulating the worst behaviour of our employers towards UCU staff? How many of our letters, motions, attempts to bring motions from lay members pressing for resolution have been ignored now? Solidarity with all @uniteucu.bsky.social #UnionStrong #ReclaimUCU

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QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

The List in meme-format: qmucu.org/qmul-transfo...

meme: a man with a mustache and glasses is speaking to a woman with platinum blond hair.
"University managers keep pushing through restructures claiming it will make things cheaper"
"well, did it work for those people?" asks the woman.
"No, it never does. I mean, these people somehow delude themselves into thinking it might but... but it might work for us"

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QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

Moving towards a trade dispute with the Secretary of State for Education! UCU Congress voted to support a national trade dispute with the government over the Higher Education funding crisis. Motion & further info: lu.ma/a0vv0sjb?tk=... JOIN to discuss next steps 3 June, 6pm: lu.ma/zs6bklhz 🧵

Trade Dispute with Government
UCU Congress delegates voted to support a national trade dispute with the government over the higher education funding crisis.

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Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Thank you to all the amazing UCU branches who’ve been solid & vocal in supporting us. And huge #solidarity to those taking their own action. UCU isn’t one person, it’s its branches, its activists & its members. We want to work for & support you; being unable to properly do so is beyond upsetting.

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ulivucu.bsky.social @ulivucu.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Please see our letter to the VC following the Supreme Court ruling on gender definition

Dear Vice-chancellor,
We are all aware of the news of the Supreme Court ruling of 16th April 2025, which declared that sex in the Equality Act 2010 refers to sex assigned at birth, regardless of whether the individual is trans or if they possess a Gender Recognition Certificate.

The Statement issued to the House of Commons by Bridget Phillipson on 22nd April 2025 also stated that trans people must use single sex spaces that align with their sex assigned at birth.
No mention or guidance has been given for intersex people/people with differences of sex development, for whom the sex written on their birth certificate may not match either their chromosomal or hormonal sex, or their gender appearance or identity.
Further, both the Supreme Court judgement and the interim update provided by the Equality and Human Rights Commission allow for the exclusion of transmasculine people from female single sex spaces, leaving this group with the possibility of no facilities or service provision at all. It should be noted that the interim guidance does not represent law at this stage, although it is being presented through the media as having the legitimacy of a legal change.

The ruling and guidance contradict current practice at the University, which allows all staff and students to use the gendered spaces that are most appropriate to them. This right has been enshrined in law since the Gender Recognition Act of 2004 and further elaborated in the Equality Act 2010. These Acts remain law despite the recent developments.
This ruling is in direct contradiction to the basic human rights and dignity of trans, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, intersex, and other gender-diverse staff and students and is likely to lead to a rise in discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes against these groups.
Following a large UCU member meeting that discussed this issue and strongly passed a motion in favour of protecting transgender staff and students, I am writing to you today
to express our concerns regarding the position of trans and nonbinary staff at the University.

The provision of support services currently available for trans, nonbinary and LGBTQ+ staff is noted and appreciated.

However, the impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling is considerable and has predictably unleashed a torrent of negative tabloid comment, hate-speech and personal harassment against trans and nonbinary people in our society. There is also some evidence of this being reflected at the University, based upon reports we are getting. One example involves signage for gender-neutral toilets being furtively removed, and then removed again despite having been replaced. (This has been reported and is being investigated).

In this very difficult climate, it is clear that trans and nonbinary staff need public support from their employer that signals a zero-tolerance policy regarding this type of discrimination, bullying and harassment behaviour.

An immediate problem these staff now face, is that of the toilet, shower and changing spaces available and accessible for them at work.

A clear and unambiguous statement from the University, signalling its commitment to maintaining rights of access and use of these spaces based upon the individual’s self-identified gender, is urgently needed at this time.

Further to this, we urge the University to develop and publish trans-inclusive staff policies that will protect gender-diverse staff at work as a matter of urgency, to maintain the University as a place of support, safety and inclusivity for trans and nonbinary staff.

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Durham UCU @ducu.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Hello, Midgley! Real good pup! @strikedawgs.bsky.social helps keep us sane.

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Durham UCU @ducu.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Rally time! Jamie lays it out!

Jamie speaking to the picketers and supporters at the Durham UCU strike rally, the branch banner in the background.

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Wil Hardman @wilhardman.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Full solidarity with UCU staff on strike with Unite. As branch officers we massively rely on their knowledge and support. Please listen to the democratic decision of your members and resolve the dispute now @uniteucu.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk

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Wil Hardman @wilhardman.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

A safe and professional workplace is what we *all* should expect but especially union employees. Our Liverpool branch motions supporting Unite workers have all passed unanimously. We all support you and are dismayed this hasn’t been resolved yet @ucu.org.uk

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Cat Mahoney @catmahoney.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Solidarity with @uniteucu.bsky.social members striking today. ✊✊✊✊

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Prof Diana Jeater @jeater.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

@ucu.org.uk I am ashamed of my union's treatment of its staff. Please settle fairly and decently now. It's long, long overdue. @uniteucu.bsky.social

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Lauren @fleurione.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

@ucu.org.uk — evidence that members back our UCU staff on strike @uniteucu.bsky.social

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Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

When, some months ago, we first posted our members’ testimonies - lived experiences of working for UCU - our employer’s only response was a demand they be removed. No contrition, shame or concern for their staff: just an anger we’d shared them. #UniteVoices uniteucu.wordpress.com/campaign-cam...

“I feel more and more disheartened, depressed and stressed by working for UCU. I am trying to just get on and do my job in as professional a manner as I can. However, this is increasingly difficult... The current working ‘atmosphere’ is dire and makes me feel huge doubt and uncertainty. This has severely negatively impacted my motivation and my job satisfaction in addition to my levels of stress.”

“Whilst off work sick for a protracted period, dosed up with pain medications and immobile I was sent an email advising that my white colleague (also off sick) was to be sent flowers and well wishes in a card from our team.
Nothing was sent to me from the team and it felt like as a black colleague you weren't seen, your pain wasn't seen and you weren’t cared for.”

“[I’m] Ashamed I work for an employer who has such double standards in the way they have treated employees compared to what they say to members… UCU has been very vocal about Trans and Non-Binary issues that affect UCU members and many UCU staff have worked really hard on policy and training – so why should UCU management be stalling over this for employees?”

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Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

📣 May Day Rally 📣 We remain on strike. With our employer continuing to refuse to meet for talks, join our strike rally on Thursday 1 May, 12-1pm outside UCU head office, Carlow Street, London. All welcome to show your support for making UCU a safe & professional workplace. #ThriveNotSurvive

Image promoting our strike rally on 12-1pm on 1 May outside UCU head office in London.

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Lauren @fleurione.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

I’m not in town today but so glad to see my @ucu.org.uk comrades out on the picket line in support of the UCU staff- incl our own administrator!- on strike with @unitetheunion.bsky.social Our branch calls for UCU Head Office to meet the staff demands and end this dispute. Solidarity Unite! ✊

Photo of a picket outside UCU Liverpool office. UCU staff are holding red Unite flags and are supported by UCU branch members also holding flags

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ulivucu.bsky.social @ulivucu.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

We unequivocally support UCU staff on strike today! They have been so supportive, knowledgeable and hard working for our branch over the years. We can always count on them to have our backs. It's time to have theirs. Read our branch statement to Jo Grady the GS too. It's time to resolve this dispute

Dear Jo,

I am writing on behalf of the University of Liverpool and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine UCU regarding the current dispute between UCU staff (members of Unite) and UCU as their employer.

We have been following the dispute closely and we are supportive of the Unite members and see their issues as legitimate and serious.

The fact that these longstanding issues involve bullying, and the unequal treatment of black staff is especially dismaying. These behaviours undermine the core principles of what trade unions are built on and have caused reputational harm to UCU within the wider trade union movement.

The support provided by UCU staff is vital to the normal functioning of local branches. In particular, the support, advice, and commitment we have received in our current dispute from regional officers and other staff has been exemplary. Along with many other branches currently in dispute, we urgently need these staff to be able to do their work in conditions that are equal, fair, and reasonable.

We urge senior managers in UCU to remain in talks with Unite and to resolve this dispute as a matter of urgency, in the spirit of good faith, solidarity and the union values we all share.

Mark O’Brien,

Branch President

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Kaylee 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 🔜 BLFC @littlemacha.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Megathread of pro-trans petitions on Parliament’s petition website. If Labour suddenly gets hit with debates for a bunch of pro-trans petitions, maybe they’ll realise this issue isn’t going away and they’ve fucked up. I’ll add more as I find them. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...

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ulivucu.bsky.social @ulivucu.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

University of Liverpool / LSTM UCU support trans people unequivocally. Solidarity to trans and non-binary people everywhere. We are working now on how best to support or trans and nb members 🙏🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

A graphic of a trans rights flag (white centre horizontal stripe with light pink stripes on both sides and light blue stripes both sides of that) saying 'ucu supports trans rights. Trans men are men trans women are women and non binary people exist

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Grant Buttars @gbuttars.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

This is so far from what working for a trade union should look like, don't you agree @drjogrady.bsky.social Time this dispute between @ucu.org.uk and its staff was resolved.

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University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

And there it is. A shocking, appalling, and deeply disappointing announcement of an entirely unnecessary move from the university. But this is exactly why we have already started organising .

bbc.co.uk

University of Nottingham plans to cut more than 250 jobs

Announcing the consultation, the university said it was a "critical moment for universities across the UK".

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leedsucu.bsky.social @leedsucu.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

We have clear branch policy in solidarity with @uniteucu.bsky.social and are writing again to the GS calling for urgent resolution of this dispute. Uni of Leeds #UCU members if you’re in Leeds tomorrow please visit the picket outside the regional office on St Paul’s St 0830-0930 if you can!

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Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Solidarity with all striking workers. As #UCU Edu Committee Chair I'd chair Cradle to Grave (flagship education policy conference) on 29 March. It's sadly been cancelled by HQ citing @uniteucu.bsky.social strike in preceding days. The dispute must be resolved Please sign: tinyurl.com/UCUUniteSoli...

tinyurl.com

UCU - End the dispute with Unite and embody the union’s commitment to equality

Dear Jo Grady, We, the undersigned UCU members and members of the community, urge you to do everything in your power to resolve the dispute with UCU Unite as soon as possible. UCU proudly signed up ...

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Rhiannon Lockley (she/her) @illdoitanyway.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Let’s do this!

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Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Alfie popped by to see us yesterday. They pointed out that we already have 237 colleagues who have already left the University of Dundee. We were told we need to lose 632 jobs top of this! 869 colleagues will be lost and this is just phase 1! #PicketLinePets #PicketPups #dogs #SaveHE

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BCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Our ballot is 🥁 🥁 🥁 OPEN! Vote YES for strike action and YES for action short of a strike. Defend jobs, defend professional respect Branch meeting at 1, check your email for joining link. @ucu.org.uk

media.tenor.com

a box that says " our power " on it

Alt: Ballot being dropped into a box that says " our power " on it

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Dr Mel Chem @melchem.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

What an amazing teach-out today! Staff and students joining together to reflect on the changes needed to achieve a more democratic and inclusive higher education. @ducuuo.bsky.social

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Sol Gamsu @solgamsu.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

I wrote this for @bjsociology.bsky.social on organising in universities & the work we all need to do to defend & remake the university. It's a reflection on being heavily involved in UCU with practical tips on what everyone can do, esp. now with redundancies. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

If You Want the University to Change, Don't Theorise—Organise!

Organising as workers to build industrial power within our universities is a key element of how we respond to redundancies, marketisation and other political pressures on higher education. This piece...

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Grant Buttars @gbuttars.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Statement signed by 15 HEC members listing all the resolutions passed at our meeting last week in context. UCU members wishing to know the totality of what was decided at HEC last week, please read. drive.google.com/file/d/1tfVJ... Feel free to share with others.

drive.google.com

Statement HEC Feb 2025.pdf

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QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

What? Is? Happening? Bolton — sorry, “Greater Manchester” — University in some truly dodgy territory.

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UNISON at Liverpool and Hope Universities @liv-hopeunison.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Hi, we are the UNISON branch for the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University. Give us a follow 😍@unison.org.uk @unison-uofg.bsky.social @unisonnorthern.bsky.social @unisonmedia.bsky.social @unisonsw.bsky.social @unisonglobal.bsky.social

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Sheffield UCU @sheffielducu.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

This afternoon, @ucu.org.uk informed the Vice Chancellor that we will be formally balloting for local industrial action at @sheffielduni.bsky.social in relation to proposed cuts to the staffing budget and the threats to staff jobs due to restructuring.

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UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Solidartity! We will fight this together!

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ulivucu.bsky.social @ulivucu.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Feelin Good! Definitely Not Demoralised! ##FeelGoodFebruary

Poster in the style of such initiatives (smiley faces and pastel colours) referencing the University's feel good February scheme but adding the voluntary severance and mandatory return to campus policies rather than the bake sales and yoga sessions you'd usually see. It ends with Join your union

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ulivucu.bsky.social @ulivucu.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Management do love to treat us around this special time of year...💖🥰💐🌹🍫💖 Happy Valentines Day everyone!

4 posters from ucu with hearts and flowers on highliting the mandatory return to campus and voluntary severance policies that Liverpool uni have announced lately asking people to join the union if they are worried about this

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21 Group @21group.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Inferno of UK universities continues Even top of Russell Group is looking to make lots of redundancies Durham University announces £20 million in cuts in staff costs, over the 2024-25 & 2025-26 academic years www.palatinate.org.uk/durham-unive...

palatinate.org.uk

Durham University open Voluntary Severance Scheme amid staff cuts

Durham University has opened its Voluntary Severance Scheme, amid staff cuts.

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QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

oh, @ulivucu.bsky.social is now here! But, from the sounds of it, not with good news 😔

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