Report from UCU Congress by Carlo Morelli, Dundee Branch
The development of action against austerity and the widespread co-ordinated strikes against pension changes acted as the backdrop behind which the Congress took place. The TUC demonstration planned for 20th October will now act as a focus for the next outburst of opposition to the ConDem government’s cuts agenda.
- Pay. Congress voted to reject the 1% offer made by the employers and undertake a consultative ballot of members with a clear call for rejection Pay continues to fall behind inflation for what will be the fourth year running if the proposal from the employers is accepted. If members reject the offer, industrial action in the autumn will be planned.
- The USS pensions negotiations were discussed with delegates favouring the development of co-ordinated strike action over pensions. Delegates were angry that employers had not offered any further changes since the Work-to-Contract was suspended in January. As a result delegates voted to re-introduce the Work-to-Contract with immediate effect until the autumn when further progress, if any, will be assessed. If there is no movement then, industrial action will also be considered in conjunction, if possible, with other unions.
- Union democracy. The role of e-surveys and questionnaires was discussed. Delegates were critical of the use of e-surveys in the absence of informed discussion of the issues. The feeling was summed up by the comment ‘we debate first then decide’. Congress voted for the establishment of a Constitutional Commission to consider rule changes, the size of the NEC and the election of negotiators etc.
- Congress was highly critical of institutions use of the National Student Survey in encouraging the bullying of staff members. This was one of a number of areas where working conditions were noted to be deteriorating in Higher Education. The UCU stress survey, with a one in four response rate is suggesting that HE has poor levels of well-being for staff in relation to wider industries.