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Prevent – UCU local association agreed motion

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The following motion was agreed by the all-members general meeting on 14 October. (The minutes of that meeting are subject to approval of the all-members general meeting on 25 November.) University of Leeds UCU local association notes the new “Prevent Duty” being imposed on Higher and Further Education providers. The Local Association commends the response of the national UCU on this matter. The branch observes that this duty erodes staff and students’ academic freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of debate. The branch notes further that the definition of extremism as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values” is a direct attack on ethnic minorities. It undermines the free exchange of ideas and undermines democratic social inclusion. The branch believes that the effect of this definition will be to institutionalise both racism and Islamophobia. University of Leeds UCU local association resolves to work with UCU HQ to develop a policy of non-co-operation with the “Prevent Duty,” up to and including branch boycotts.

Refugee crisis – UCU local association agreed motion

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The following motion was agreed by the all-members general meeting on 14 October. (The minutes of that meeting are subject to approval of the all-members general meeting on 25 November.) This branch notes: The worst refugee crisis since the end of World War II with millions fleeing their homes looking for refuge in Europe. Since 2000 around 30,000 migrants or refugees have died in their attempts to reach or stay in Europe, with the highest figures recorded in the past two years. The continuing plight of refugees in Calais and elsewhere in Europe escaping from war, political oppression, poverty and violence. The demonization of migrants and asylum seekers by the media and the government. The inadequate response by the Tory government, for example, only allowing in just 20,000 refugees by 2020 on a temporary basis in the first instance, and only from camps in the Lebanon. The heartening public response to the crisis e.g. collections, donations etc. That the University of Leeds is collaborating with Leeds City Council to promote Leeds as a City of Sanctuary. That other universities such as the University of East London have committed to offer at least ten postgraduate scholarships to Syrian refugees. We note … continue reading

Proposed minutes of the general meeting 14 October 2015

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These minutes are proposed subject to approval by the general meeting 25 November. University of Leeds Local Association 1pm-2pm, Wednesday 14 October 2015 Venue: Roger Stevens LT18 (8.18) Minutes of the General Meeting Forty-four members attended. The meeting was chaired by Mark Taylor-Batty. Minutes: the minutes of the general meeting 30 March were agreed Matters arising: there were no matters arising not covered by the agenda. Pay In the consultative ballot less than 50% of the membership indicated support for strike action. The University of Leeds UCU Committee urged for a continued campaign on 2015 pay. The UCU Higher Education Committee agreed last Friday, in a close vote, to focus on building the union’s campaign for better pay in 2016. This general meeting discussed possible campaign strategies. Mark Taylor-Batty encouraged members to join the campaign group and help run the union’s campaigns. Refugee crisis Motion 1: migration and refugee crisis Moved by Gabriella Alberti on behalf of the Local Association Committee. Text below is as amended. This branch notes: The worst refugee crisis since the end of World War II with millions fleeing their homes looking for refuge in Europe. Since 2000 around 30,000 migrants or refugees have died in … continue reading

Minutes of Committee meeting 6 October 2015

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University of Leeds Local Association Committee 1pm-2pm, Tuesday 6 October 2015 Venue: Baines Wing G.03 Minutes Attendance: Mark Taylor-Batty (President), Brendon Nicholls, Ben Plumpton, Steve French, Gabriella Alberti, Lesley McGorrigan, Neil Maughan, Nigel Bubb, Vicky Blake, Elwyn Isaac, Mark Walkley, Tim Goodall, Hugh Hubbard, Andy West, Alan Smith (administrator) Apologies: Paul Steenson, Ann Blair, Malcolm Povey, Steven French (lateness), Steve Lax, Jeremy Toner Amend to add Hugh to attendance. Matters arising Co-option of Environmental Rep: the committee welcomed Tim Goodall. Pay. Mark gave an update from the regional pay briefing. In real terms we have had a 15% pay cut, and increased pension contributions and national insurance contributions next year. Pay at the top end is increasing and most universities are holding surpluses. Regional committee delegates Agreed to delegate Ben Plumpton, Lesley McGorrigan, Vicky Blake, Mark Taylor-Batty, Brendon Nicholls. Co-option of anti-casualisation representative Agreed Mark would email membership by the end of this week to seek nominations Draft organising plan Committee agreed to roll considerations around increasing involvement of reps into draft organising plan which Alan will present to a future committee as a discussion document. Website and social media Agreed Mark Taylor-Batty, Nick Efford, Ben Plumpton, Vicky Blake and … continue reading

UCU Branch News

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Our October newsletter is out now. It’s available as a PDF to download at LeedsUCUnewsletterOct15 and some print copies will be available. The full text of the newsletter is below: Pay rise 2015 (and 2016) In the 2015 pay bargaining round the employers put forward a take-it-or-leave-it offer of 1%. UCU held a consultative ballot of members in June to help decide on a campaign approach. A majority supported action short of a strike (ASOS) but not strike action. A close vote at the HEC consequently decided that ASOS without the threat of strike action to back it up would be ineffective, the 1% will be ‘noted’ and a claim for 2016 delivered early. “Like many members I’m disappointed by how this vote went,” says Mark Taylor-Batty, the Leeds UCU President. “But we now need to focus our anger at an effective pay cut of 15% since 2010 on a strong campaign to address some of that erosion in 2016.” We need your ideas at a general meeting / action group meetings on how to take this forward. More info at http://wp.me/p1X58R-qk Car parking The university intends to ramp up car parking charges (by about 50%) from January, to pay … continue reading