The UCU Solidarity Movement began in May 2020 when activists from four UCU branches in Higher Education agreed to co-operate in organising against threats to jobs and wages.
The Solidarity Movement was launched as the Covid-19 pandemic broke out and universities and colleges had to close their doors as a result, leading to uncertainty about the future of our sectors – particularly HE, which was heavily dependent on consistent student recruitment – and thus jobs. On the other hand, the national UCU failed to take any meaningful action to defend staff and student health and safety, never mind jobs and courses. These factors all prompted union activists in branches to launch this initiative.
Other UCU branches, including four in Further Education, were issued with Section 188 redundancy notices and branches began to hold industrial action ballots. By early July 2020, we had organised two Solidarity Rallies, concurrent physical protests, and a National Activist Meeting.
Over 1,300 UCU members and supporters registered for the two solidarity rallies we organised. The rally on Thursday 25th June agreed a statement (see link and below) calling on the UCU to ‘up its game’ and use the mass participatory model the NEU had developed to shape the campaigning and industrial strategy we so urgently needed.
Watch our video here:
of Liverpool & SOAS
The two rallies – which we understand to be the biggest ever online events for UCU members – were organised by a relatively small number of activists who are simultaneously dealing with the immediate threat of job and / or wage cuts in their own institutions. There is no question that far greater numbers could be mobilised, and far more resources brought to bear, if our national union was to give the lead we so badly need.
The large numbers joining our zoom meetings showed clearly that members are looking for a lead to deal with the difficult situation that they face and that we need to involve the maximum number of colleagues in developing a strategy to fight back. This website is a platform for branches and activists to show solidarity, share information and resources that build towards a robust and collective fight back.
UCU SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT
Statement 25th June 2020:
“We call on the UCU to organise an emergency online all-members meeting immediately. Further to our union’s new Fund The Future campaign, this meeting will discuss, agree and build united resistance against all job losses and pay cuts in further, adult and higher education. This is even more urgent given that these cuts are disproportionately impacting on women and BAME staff, particularly those on precarious contracts. ”
Emergency Student/Staff Assembly, 10th October 2020
UCU Solidarity Movement hosted an Emergency Student / Staff Assembly for all four nations on Saturday 10th October. This event was aimed at linking students and trade union members across Further and Higher Education. Our colleagues, students and communities in and around colleges and universities are now in the front-line of dealing with the Covid-19 crisis.
The experience thus far of the HE sector in England and the devolved nations – covering at least 50 universities with Covid-19 outbreaks – showed the urgency of this initiative.
UCU Solidarity Movement 