This longer read will chime with many working in academia. It outlines how we have got here and how it feels to have worked in academia for the past decade.
It is also a useful insight for those outside it into why so many universities are in trouble right now and why, dear reader, you should care.
Dave Hitchcock is a Senior Lecturer in early modern British history at Canterbury Christ Church University and wrote this for History Workshop.
Thousands of staff at campuses across the country are either in dispute and taking industrial action already or balloting to do so as a result of major cuts announced to staffing across the higher education sector over the last three or four months.
The Welsh and Scottish governments have announced modest support measures in recent weeks, but fundamentally the model for funding the training needs and research of the UK is broken. Government needs to act to Stop the Cuts.
Members can sign the UCU petition and find out more about the Stop the Cuts campaign here .
Aberystwyth UCU Branch notes with dismay, but not surprise, the recent news from Bangor University and the University of South Wales regarding proposed redundancies. This follows news of course closures and job cuts at Cardiff University, the closure of the Lampeter campus of UWTSD, and job cuts to Swansea University and Cardiff Metropolitan announced last year.
There is a crisis in higher education funding in Wales and the UK more widely. Everyone recognises the funding model is simply broken, and has been for a long time. Yet a sector that generates billions of pounds in value to Wales (through research, direct spend locally, and the higher average salaries of graduate students) also has institution after institution announcing financial deficits, job cuts and need for making savings. Each institution is different but all are embedded in a system that is just not working as it should. … …
“This account doesn’t exist“. That’s what you will find if you go to our Twitter page.
It’s a pain, but we could not in good conscience continue to provide revenue support for the owners and abusers of the social media platform.
We are merrily locatable on BlueSky – @ucuaber.bsky.social – which is smaller but actually seems to have greater reach amongst the academic community, just without the extreme levels of racist, misogynist, homophobic, transphobic and generally shouty rhetoric that has come to characterise Twitter in its billionaire playground phase.
The annual round of UCU UK Elections is underway, including for Vice President, Hon Treasurer, Trustees, regional and a number UK elected seats. Many will sit on Higher Education Committee which determines the decisions and actions taken by the union.
You will have had ballots through your post-boxes, along with election statements by each candidate.
More info >> here <<
Hustings event for Vice President* and Treasurer is on Wednesday 5th February – online – 4.30pm – 6pm.
* serves as chair of the Higher Education Committee and sector conference for two years, then becomes the union President and chair of the NEC.
The ballot closes on 3rd March, but why wait?
Aberystwyth UCU are shocked at the news of major cuts at Cardiff University and the impact on staff and students in Cardiff and more widely in Wales.
Marc Welsh, Acting President of Aberystwyth UCU said:
“Our branch sends full solidarity with colleagues and students affected by this decision by Cardiff University.
Universities are facing unprecedented financial challenges, with Cardiff the most recent example of what is happening across the country. Government intervention across the sector is urgently needed.
This is not just about the jobs of UCU members, the closure of courses (such as nursing) and the restriction of student opportunities, it is part of a bigger concern about the future of education, research and the skills that sustain Wales.”
/ends
For us
Regrettably our branch President, John Gough, has stepped down with immediate effect. The good news is John is stepping down as President for positive personal reasons and we wish him well as he navigates his new role.
John has overseen a resurgence in the branch and its activity over the past few years, shepherded us through Covid and protracted industrial action, and facilitated a functioning social partnership agreement with management.
As an individual John has also supported (and will continue to support) innumerable members as a case worker, represented the interests of members in multiple forums, through SIP and grievance and beyond, and has always been willing to stick his head above the parapet in the service of the branch.
We would like to take time to thank John for his huge contribution to Aberystwyth UCU branch over many years.
While he is stepping away from some day-to-day elements, he will continue making an essential and valued contribution to the branch going forward.
For university staff
The recent VC’s message to staff outlined a financial situation that remains challenging at AU; with further ‘changes’ to staffing, structures and investment to be announced and consulted upon in coming months.
This will not be a surprise for most staff but many of us will feel uncertainty and worries for:
colleagues,
managing workload and work-life balance in a period of transition and change,
ensuring fairness and parity in treatment.
UCU negotiators have been and remain involved in conversations with senior management and broadly would recognise a willingness and attempt at transparency and partnership in that relationship. But next year might prove more challenging.
Heading into 2025 we will need the support and input of members to ensure we are asking the right questions, identifying the right problems, making the right suggestions, and taking the right action.
Please use your departmental reps as a conduit for doing this. If your department does not have one – consider volunteering!
Marc Welsh
Aberystwyth UCU Vice President
Members will be asked to vote on the New JNCHES pay and conditions offer from UCEA beginning on Tuesday 12 November.
If you are a full HE member from a branch included in the consultation (i.e. Aberystwyth) look out for further details.