The UCU branch committee sends our thanks and support to schoolteachers in the National Education Union whose refusal to work in dangerous conditions forced the government to move more quickly in moving most school teaching online. Their action has made us all more safe.
Read moreNita would have been UCU President from May, but sadly died on 16th January. She was a tireless and brilliant union activist, and supported us in Leeds many times (some photos at http://www.leedsucu.org.uk/nita-sanghera/). Nita’s family and friends would like to invite you to a memorial march and rally this Sunday, 9th February, in Birmingham. We’ll be taking our branch banner, and the branch will pay members’ travel expenses to attend. Assemble at Victoria Square, Birmingham at 1 pm, followed by a memorial rally at 2.30 pm at Aston Legacy Centre, 144 Potters Lane Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU. Donations towards the cost of organising this event would be welcome – contact ucu@leeds.ac.uk for details. Please let ucu@leeds.ac.uk know if you’re thinking of attending so we can coordinate travel.
Read moreWe are saddened to learn of the death of Nita Sanghera, president-elect of UCU. Nita was a fierce and passionate campaigner for workers everywhere, always supporting union branches across the country, and a tireless campaigner against racism. Her support and encouragement for many black women activists will not be forgotten. Nita was about to become the first black woman President of UCU. The photos show Nita visiting the picket lines at University of Leeds to give us her support. Branch president Ben Plumpton says: “Nita was solidarity personified.” Rest in power.
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