The times they are a-changing
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:
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colleagues,
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managing workload and work-life balance in a period of transition and change,
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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