Members of the branch agreed the following motions at the emergency general meeting 1 October 2020. Motion 1 Leeds University UCU instructs the Leeds University UCU branch committee to register a dispute with Leeds University management if they insist on proceeding with coercion of staff into face to face activity, which is widely acknowledged to be unsafe. This branch considers this to be in breach of the university policy on Dignity and Mutual Respect. Motion 2 This union recognises: Good practice on Health and Safety in numerous areas by University management. Continuing difficulties and deficiencies in other areas, which must be resolved urgently in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.  This union notes:  The refusal of managers in LUBS to disclose the findings of test surveys carried out on ventilation systems in School premises – including teaching rooms – to UCU Safety Reps.  The lack of a clear undertaking from senior University managers, in response to requests at the “Working Together” (“Town Hall”) meeting on 29 September, 2020, to ensure that such reports would be shared with UCU Safety Reps across the University.  The duty placed upon employers by HSE Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations (1977) and relevant Code of … continue reading

At a general meeting on 15 September 2020 members voted to support the following motions: Emergency motion 1 – On-line teaching: health & safety and jobs This meeting notes: the call by our GS and iSAGE for all teaching to be held online UCU’s five tests pressures on all staff for face-to-face teaching that iSAGE/WHO believe social distancing, test, track and isolate and PPE are central in controlling pandemics a potential second wave of Covid-19 with high R-rates in Yorkshire/Humberside lives, health, safety and jobs should take priority over the financial ‘bottom line’ The University sits on over £70 million of reserves which must be utilised if necessary to meet demands during this period. This meeting requests: Leeds UCU to campaign for and negotiate agreements on: no face-to-face teaching and student support in at least the first semester of 2020/21 and continued into the second semester (to be reviewed in December 2020) other than where there are no other options, e.g. some practical work all on-line teaching to be accessible provision of IT and safe quiet study spaces for all students and staff as required continuing with high levels of support and training for staff in online teaching, and ensuring … continue reading