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Workers’ Memorial Day

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Every 11 seconds, a person dies because of the dangerous conditions in which they work. On Workers’ Memorial Day, every 28 April, trade union members across the world remember the dead and remind ourselves why we fight hard for the health and safety of people at work. People who go to work should come home again. The theme of Workers’ Memorial Day this year is cancers caused by work. There will be a memorial wreath laying today (Monday 29 April) 12.55pm, at the workers’ memorial tree in St George’s field. … continue reading

Sri Lanka attacks

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Leeds UCU is deeply saddened by the senseless violence which has claimed the lives of over 300 people in Sri Lanka. We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers and we mourn with you. We will condemn all violence and hatred, wherever it occurs, from Christchurch to Sri Lanka, and in whatever form it occurs. Everybody has the right to worship and observe their religious holidays without fear, and in freedom. We understand the university chaplaincy is discussing arrangements for a vigil with the students union LUU, and we will let members know when they have confirmed the details with us. … continue reading

Who should be on next year’s UCU committee? + AGM details

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We’d like to invite all UCU University of Leeds branch members to attend the Annual General Meeting of the UCU University of Leeds branch, and to ask you to consider being on the UCU branch committee for the coming academic year or nominating a colleague (with their agreement!). The AGM will be 3.45pm to 5pm on Thursday 16 May (meet 3.30pm for tea and cake), in the Workshop Theatre. Elections UCU members elect a branch committee each year to shape, lead and facilitate the branch’s member-led campaigns and activities. It really matters that the committee reflects the membership. Organisations that involve an element of self-nomination can end up with white men over-represented – please take this into consideration when deciding who to nominate. If you’re interested and would like to know more, please get in touch with me or one of the current committee members. You don’t have to have experience of being a UCU rep to be on the committee. Nominations are now open for all the elected committee roles for the 2019-2020 academic year: PresidentVice-presidentTreasurerHonorary secretaryMembership officerEquality officerCampaigns officerHealth and safety officerAnti-casualisation officerOrdinary committee member (14 spaces). Some ordinary committee members are likely to be asked to take … continue reading

Minutes of general meeting 13 March 2019

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Wednesday 13 March 2019, 12pm – 1pm Roger Stevens lecture theatre 11 Minutes and matters arising from previous meeting not elsewhere on the agenda Including updates on gender pay claim and anti-casualisation claim Request for reps in schools without reps. Minutes agreed. USS pensions: update on website, will have a members meeting about this soon. IT: took to Senate and in discussion with HR Timetabling: some departments resisting (successfully). Meeting with HR today. Gender pay claim: claim submitted in August. Not had a diligent response form the university. First working group the university didn’t provide us with any data. We’re going to say we can’t meaningfully meet with them until they provide us that data. Anti-casualisation claim: first negotiating meeting 26 March. Would like to organise some more anti-casualisation meetings before then, ideally next week. Recent media controversy about a job ad pulled, which was indicative of a culture of Election of Congress delegates: Dima Chami, Laura Loyola Hernandez, Chloe Wallace, Megan Povey, Arunima Bhattacharya. Reserves: Gabriella Alberti, Ben Plumpton, Tim Goodall. Motion 1: Amend Congress Standing Order 18 Moved by Ben Plumpton, seconded by Nigel Bubb. Carried unanimously Motion 2: Representation of migrants in UCU structures Moved by Dima … continue reading

University of Leeds staff supporting the Youth Climate Strike in Leeds – Friday 12th April

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Youth climate strike, Leeds More than 30 climate researchers from the Priestley Centre at the University Leeds attended one of the previous two youth strikes for climate that took place in Leeds in March. At each event they took the opportunity to talk to young people and Leeds residents about the climate crisis, and answered a range of questions. Answers to some of them are online here. We’re certain that our climate researchers are not the only ones who believe the youth are doing brilliant things by striking for the climate. We’ve spoken to some of the organisers in Leeds (our own students) for the next climate strike taking place 11am-2pm Friday 12th April, and we are calling on University staff to come along to show their support. The time is now to take action to avoid climate breakdown. It is crucial that staff at the university have a voice and take a stance in this universal human life threatening issue. The children are leading the way. Let’s go and show them that they are right, and that they have our support. UCU is part of a wider regional network of unions concerned about the climate crisis and searching for … continue reading