Late motion: amendment to UCU Congress motion SFC26 Increase legal support to defend local trade union rights 

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

Add new Congress believes b) “No employer should consider itself justified for making duplicate and/or disproportionate pay deductions for work withheld due to industrial action” 

In resolves ii, after “strike action”, add  

“and any pay deductions for industrial action (including ASOS) that are disproportionate to the amount/hours of work withheld.” 

Add new resolves iii: UCU should name and shame any employer engaging in such punitive tactics. 

(Motion as amended would read:) 

SFC26 Increase legal support to defend local trade union rights  

University of Sheffield 

Congress notes that 

  1. Our sectors face unprecedented attacks on the rights of trade unionists from employers, using novel tactics such as the ‘double deductions’ recently imposed at the University of Sheffield.    
  1. That in common-law countries, employment law can be advanced through litigation in courts and tribunals.    
  1. Litigation and legal advice are often beyond the financial reach of local branches.  

Congress believes 

  1. UCU must strategically balance the need to avoid unsustainable legal costs against local branches’ need for centralised legal support.  
  1. “No employer should consider itself justified for making duplicate and/or disproportionate pay deductions for work withheld due to industrial action. 

Congress resolves that 

  1. NEC should review UCU legal’s level of funding and their approach to taking legal action on behalf of branches, to increase the ability of local branches to challenge novel forms of trade union victimisation.    
  1. UCU should lobby for ‘double deductions’ to be proscribed as a form of detriment for participating in strike action and any pay deductions for industrial action (including ASOS) that are disproportionate to the amount/hours of work withheld under the Employment Rights Act 2025. 
  1. UCU should name and shame any employer engaging in such punitive tactics. 

Proposed by Vicky Blake. Moved by Jenny Rivas Perez, seconded by Sandy James from the chair. The motion was carried at the ordinary general meeting 30 April 2026.

Resolution: Dispute over new promotions criteria and process

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

This branch notes: 

  • That the university is rushing through substantial changes in the process and criteria for promotions; 
  • That, whilst promotion is listed as a matter of negotiation in the recognition agreement between the university and UCU, these changes have not been negotiated or agreed; 
  • That the university has prioritised academic promotions over improving career progression and promotion for non-academic staff and has created uncertainty for staff in research only and teaching only roles. 

This branch believes that the imposed changes are substantially detrimental to staff for a number of reasons, including: 

  • The return to a single annual date of application and promotion rather than a rolling system; 
  • Ending the practice of backdating promotion-related pay rises to the date of application; 
  • Removing some staff on research only and teaching only contracts from the process of academic promotion when they had previously been able to apply using that process; 
  • Failing to provide evidence or any guarantee that the new criteria will not make it more difficult to be promoted; 
  • A rushed transition to the new system, meaning that colleagues who cannot submit an application swiftly will be subject to a promotions freeze until 2027 
  • No clear provision for promotion from grade 7 to grade 8 

This branch resolves: 

  • to call upon the university to pause the introduction of the new procedure and criteria to allow for further development and meaningful negotiation; 
  • If the university fails to do this, to call a dispute with the university 

(244 words) Proposed by Chloe Wallace. Moved by Chloe Wallace, seconded by Dan Howdon. The motion was carried at the ordinary general meeting 30 April 2026.

Resolution: Protecting members affected by hostile migration policies

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

This branch notes that 

  • Government reforms hostile to migrants have detrimental effects not only on our students but also on our members of staff 
  • since July 2025 a minimum general salary threshold of £41,700 for new Skilled Worker visa applicants has been applied 
  • reductions to this threshold can be made only for roles on the Immigration Salary List*, PhD holders, new entrants to the labour market and for some healthcare or education jobs 
  • colleagues who are due to renew their visa and do not meet the new salary threshold may be at risk of losing their employment at the University and their right to reside in the UK 
  • these new migration policies have already led to high stress and insecurity for our international members 
  • colleagues on lower salaries and fixed term contracts may be suffering higher precariousness 

This branch resolves: 

  • to instruct our local negotiators to discuss these matters with urgency at the next meetings with the UoL Management 
  • to ask our HR to develop a clear plan of action to ensure that all colleagues on an international visa are supported in their visa renewal, including supporting the option of moving to a Global Talent Visa if this is the most secure pathway 
  • for our branch to organize a session with an immigration solicitor for members who are uncertain about their visa 
  • to liaise with UCU Migrant workers committee to receive updates on the impact of these new policies and continue campaign against the hostile environment 

(246 words) Proposed by Gabriella Alberti. Moved by Gabriella Alberti, seconded by Jenny Rivas Perez. The motion was carried at the ordinary general meeting 30 April 2026.

UCU committee elections, AGM and next general meeting

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

Committee elections

The branch’s annual general meeting is coming up fairly soon, Thursday 21 May 12.45pm – 2pm (on Zoom).

Nominations are now open for the UCU branch committee for the academic year 2026-2027.

All committee roles are elected each year (except the ‘immediate past president’) from all the UCU members at the University of Leeds. Get your nominations in!

The deadline for nominations to the committee is the day before the AGM (Wednesday 20 May) but don’t leave it late because there’s a closure period between now and then (which is why I’m asking for nominations this far in advance).

Ask me if you have any questions about the nominations process.

The roles for election are:

  • President
  • Vice-president
  • Treasurer
  • Honorary secretary
  • Membership officer
  • Equality officer
  • Anti-casualisation officer
  • Health and safety officer
  • Campaigns officer
  • Casework officer
  • 14 ordinary committee members

Find out more about the roles and how to send in your nominations at https://www.leedsucu.org.uk/about-us/standing-for-election-to-the-ucu-committee/

I’m sure any of the current committee members would be willing to answer any questions you have about being on the committee.

(Nominations for department reps are separate from this – I’ll send an email about these in a few weeks.)

Ordinary general meeting, Thursday 30 April, 12.45pm – 2pm

Submit motions by 12pm Monday 20 April.*

If you want the branch to propose an amendment to another branch’s motion to UCU Congress 2026, this is the general meeting to submit that motion of amendment to.

Annual General Meeting, Thursday 21 May 12.45pm – 2pm

Deadline for nominations to the branch committee is Wednesday 20 May.

Submit motions by 12pm Friday 1 May.*

If you want the branch to give advice to branch delegates attending UCU Congress 2026, this is the latest general meeting to do that.

(*These dates are one working day earlier than the deadlines published at the start of the academic year, following a more recent committee decision.)

This post is based on an email sent to branch members 24 March 2026 by Alan Smith, branch administrator/organiser

Resolution: Support migrant staff with net tax reimbursement for immigration expenses

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

This Branch notes: 

  • That migrant staff at the University of Leeds face substantial financial burdens from visa processes, including Skilled Worker Route (SWR) and Global Talent Visa (GTV) applications. 
  • That reimbursed visa fees are currently treated as taxable income, meaning staff receive less than the amount paid. 
  • That several Russell Group institutions, including UCL, fully reimburse visa‑related costs net of tax, ensuring staff are not left out of pocket. 
  • That migrant staff form a minority within the branch, contributing to limited visibility of these issues. 
  • That migrant staff have expressed the need for stronger community, advocacy, and awareness within UCU to address structural barriers. 

This Branch believes: 

  • That no member should face a financial penalty due to the immigration status required for their employment. 
  • That the University of Leeds should meet or exceed sector best practice for supporting international staff. 
  • That equitable access to union support requires proactive promotion of migrant worker networks. 
  • That UCU has a responsibility to challenge inequitable and discriminatory impacts of immigration policy on staff. 

This Branch resolves: 

  • To call on the University to adopt a net‑of‑tax reimbursement policy for all visa‑related costs including NHS surcharges, in line with or exceeding UCL’s practice. 
  • To raise this at JCU, formally requesting full‑value, post‑tax reimbursement. 
  • To re‑advertise and actively promote the Migrant Members Working Group through branch communications. 
  • To run at least one event per semester focused on migrant staff experiences, rights, and support. 
  • To amplify migrant voices within the branch, including offering space for updates at committee and General Meetings. 

Original motion proposed by the branch committee. Moved by Andi Rylands, seconded by Dan Howdon. Proposed amendment by Aisha Walker, seconded by Andi Rylands, to add “including NHS surcharges” to the first bullet point. The amendment was carried. The motion was carried by the ordinary general meeting 3 March 2026.

Resolution: AI worker security

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

Notes: 

The expansion of digital technologies in higher education is increasing workloads, driving unsafe levels of casualisation, and reshaping roles without adequate consultation. Employers are failing to engage meaningfully with staff, contributing to deteriorating working conditions, heightened stress, and reduced autonomy. Labour in opposition has pledged to ensure rights and protections keep pace with digital change. 

Believes: 

Staff deserve secure employment, equitable workloads, and clear safeguards around technologies that affect job design. Democratic, transparent governance requires genuine staff involvement. UCU members have the collective strength to challenge unfair practices when supported by clear strategy and strong communication. 

Resolves: 

Call on UCU nationally to launch a campaign defending jobs and workload fairness in the context of technological change; demand sector‑wide negotiations requiring union consultation before introducing systems affecting work; provide members with updates, training, and organising resources; support industrial action where necessary; and submit this motion to Congress for wider endorsement. 

Original motion (224 words) Proposed by the branch committee. Moved by Andi Rylands, seconded by Sandy James. Amended version (150 words) was moved by Dan Howdon, seconded by Nigel Bubb. The amendment was carried. The motion as amended (shown above) was carried at the ordinary general meeting 3 March 2026.

Branch resolution: Leeds University UCU branch resolution on the TOGETHER alliance

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

Leeds University UCU branch resolution on the TOGETHER alliance. 

This union branch notes that: 

  • [Edited for web version], former member of the BNP and founder of the EDL led the largest ever far right demonstration in this country on September 13 2025 
  • [Edited for web version] former leader of UKIP then the Brexit party and now reform UK is currently leading in opinion polls. 
  • Both are supported by some of the world’s richest people, who are seeking to promote division in their own interests. 

This union branch believes that 

  • Migrants are not to blame for the economic challenges facing working people in our country. 
  • A growth in the far right will hold back progressive change by sowing division amongst working people. 
  • This union branch welcomes the formation of the TOGETHER alliance which brings together anti-racist organisations, community organisations, NGOs and others to mobilise against the far right and which is calling a unity demonstration for March 28. 

This union branch resolves to 

-support the TOGETHER launch statement (below) and to sign up to it. 

  • Help to organise transport to the demonstration on March 28. 
  • Circulate our members encouraging them to sign up to together and to attend the demonstration on March 28 
  • Fund members (and their dependents) to attend the demonstration and send a union banner. 
  • Contact other local union branches, particularly campus based unions and the students union encouraging them to join in the mobilisation of members in support of the demonstration. 

(239 words.) Proposed by Paul Grist. See appendix for the Together launch statement. Moved by Paul Grist, seconded by Andy Stafford. 

Concern was raised about the need for a cap on the travel costs. The treasurer gave the suggestion of £200 as cap to the travel costs arising from the motion but stated they were not formally proposing this. The mover of the motion agreed to the suggestion of a £200 cap. A cap of £200 on the travel costs arising from the motion was put to the vote and carried. 

The motion was then voted on and was carried at the ordinary general meeting 3 March 2026.

(The web version of this motion has removed the names of individuals, primarily to reduce the website traffic by their supporters.)

Motion for UCU HE sector conference: For evidence-based staff-student policies against misconduct 

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

This Branch Notes:  

  • That the branch’s submitted motion HE38 was not taken at HESC 2025 

This branch believes:  

  • That the issues raised in the motion remain urgent.  

This branch resolves:  

  • To submit the updated motion below to HESC 2026.  

HE38  For evidence-based staff-student policies against misconduct 

HESC believes: 

  • UCU should support clear, evidence-based policy to prevent abuses of power in HE, which must account for intersectional power relations 
  • Clarity on staff-student relationships protects staff and students. 

HESC notes:  

  • Regulatory requirements on harassment and sexual misconduct in effect in England from August 2025, in Wales from August 2026. 
  • Most students are uncomfortable with staff-student relationships. 

HESC resolves to: 

  • consult with UCU’s equalities standing committees and anti-casualisation committee, NUS, 1752 Group, other survivor organisations 
  • call on branches to: 
  • negotiate with employers and work with students’ unions, drawing on peer-reviewed research to develop professional boundaries between staff and students 
  • seek policies prohibiting staff from entering intimate relationships with students for whom they have current / potential responsibilities 
  • demand universities have comprehensive, intersectional training on professional boundaries and preventing sexual harassment across academic hierarchies (including between staff) 
  • training for staff handling disclosures. 

(Covering motion 39 words; motion proposed for sector conference: 144 words). Proposed by Kate Hardy. Moved by Natalie Kopytko, seconded by Anja Komatar. The motion was carried at the ordinary general meeting 3 March 2026.

Emergency resolution: Solidarity Resolution: Support for London Metropolitan University, UCU

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

This branch notes that on 8th Jan 2026, London Metropolitan University formally announced proposals to cut up to 120 jobs, alongside a major restructuring. This follows the loss of many hourly paid jobs in the Summer of 2025. This restructuring is a choice, not a necessity.  Londonmet UCU is standing up to fight this systemic dismantling of a public, inclusive university, a major attack on working-class education and the callous discarding of livelihoods and careers. 

This branch further notes that consultation has taken place under extreme time pressure, and refuses a voluntary severance scheme. 

This branch is also concerned about the disproportionate equality impacts of the proposals, particularly on older members of staff, research staff, disabled staff, women, racialised staff, people from the global majority, and those in casualised roles. 

This branch believes these proposals reflect a wider sectoral crisis driven by short-term financial decision-making that threatens student and staff wellbeing, education quality, and student experience. 

This branch resolves to: 

Express full solidarity with the London Metropolitan University UCU branch; 

Publicise the dispute to members and networks; 

Support requests for collective action, including statements of support, joint campaigning, and attendance at rallies or demonstrations; and 

Call on UCU London Region and national bodies to provide full practical, legal, and political support. 

Stand with London Met UCU in opposing compulsory redundancies and hidden redundancies of casualised staff and defending meaningful consultation 

(230 words) Proposed by Sandy James. Moved by Kate Hardy, seconded by Nigel Bubb. The motion was carried at the extraordinary general meeting 21 January 2026.

Resolutions: countering repression

UCU University of Leeds Branch Posted on by

Before the meeting debated these motions the chair read out the following statement: “Because Palestine Action is a proscribed organisation, avoid any activity that could be seen as supporting or coordinating with it, as this may carry serious legal risks. UCU advises that if you wish to express views on Gaza or Palestine, you do so through lawful, peaceful events and campaigns, and follow the law at all times.”

The following resolutions were carried at the extraordinary general meeting 21 January 2026. The first is a resolution to send a motion to Leeds Trades Union Council, the second is a resolution for the branch.

Resolution: Countering repression (Leeds TUC)  

    Motion to send to Leeds Trades Unions Council 

    Leeds TUC notes that: 

    • Heba Muraisi, held in HMP Newhall, is at grave risk of death after more than 70 days on hunger strike, while Kamran Ahmed has reached more than 60 days in HMP Pentonville.  
    • that hunger strikers are all held on remand, prior to their trial, and well over the 182 day limit and have been subject to draconian and dehumanising conditions in prison following the proscription of Palestine Action including being denied access to books and activities, being restrained during hospital visits and faced non-association orders.  
    • the hunger strike is believed to be the biggest such coordinated action in the UK since those by IRA prisoners in 1981, when 10 people died 
    • the police violence at hunger strike protests has been escalating locally and nationally, pepper spraying and assaults of protesters at HMP Newhall on 3 January   

    Leeds TUC  believes that:  

    • The appalling treatment of hunger strikers and protesters is a part of the wider repression  

    Leeds TUC resolves to:  

    • organise a protest supporting the hunger strikers and invite affiliated branches 
    • organise a Know Your Rights session for trade unionists 
    • work in collaboration with affiliated branches to protect our right to protest and freedom of speech 
    • write to Lammy and Starmer, to intervene and make sure the prisoners’ conditions are improved and their rights are upheld 
    • write to prison governors, demanding they protect prisoners’ rights 
    • write to Prisoners4Palestine sending a message of solidarity and inviting them to speak at a Leeds TUC meeting 

    (246 words) Proposed by Anja Komatar. Moved by Anja Komatar, seconded by Fozia Bora. The motion was carried. 

    Resolution: Countering repression 

      This branch notes that: 

      • Heba Muraisi, held in HMP Newhall is at grave risk of death after more than 70 days on hunger strike, while Kamran Ahmed has reached more than 60 days in HMP Pentonville.  
      • that hunger strikers are all held on remand, prior to their trial, and well over the 182 day limit and have been subject to draconian and dehumanising conditions in prison following the proscription of Palestine Action including being denied access to books and activities, being restrained during hospital visits and faced non-association orders.  
      • the hunger strike is believed to be the biggest such coordinated action in the UK since those by IRA prisoners in 1981, when 10 people died 
      • the police violence at hunger strike protests has been escalating locally and nationally, pepper spraying and assaults of protesters at HMP Newhall on 3 January  

      This branch believes that:  

      • the appalling treatment of hunger strikers and protesters is a part of the wider repression  

      This branch resolves to:  

      • allow members to take the branch banner to protests supporting the hunger strikers 
      • organise a Know Your Rights session for staff and students 
      • collaborate with the campus unions and students to protect our right to protest and freedom of speech 
      • write to Lammy and Starmer, to intervene and make sure the prisoners’ conditions are improved and their rights are upheld 
      • write to prison governors, demanding they protect prisoners’ rights 
      • write to Prisoners4Palestine sending a message of solidarity and inviting them to speak at a meeting on campus 

      (250 words) Proposed by Anja Komatar. Moved by Anja Komatar, seconded by Fozia Bora. The motion was carried.