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. … …

Click here to read the full statement 

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?

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

18 October 2024

The electronic ballot to consult UCU higher education members on the offer will be administered by the independent election scrutineer Civica Election Services and we are in the process of finalising the timetable.

4 October 2024

UCU’s higher education committee (HEC) met on 27 September to consider UCEA’s final offer and voted to reject the pay element of the offer and to accept the terms of reference relating to the pay spine review, workload, casualisation, and equality pay gaps. HEC also voted to launch a consultative ballot on the offer and further details about this will be made available in due course.

Keep up to date here