University of Birmingham branch
The trade union representing support staff and academic-related staff on campus
An important step was recently taken by local MP Liam Byrne, who refused to accept the offer of an Honorary Senior Research Fellowship position at the University of Birmingham, explaining that his decision was based on the fact that the University is not an accredited living wage employer. The MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill noted […]
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The petition can be found here: https://www.change.org/p/david-eastwood-and-richard-metcalfe-end-outsourcing-at-the-university-of-birmingham-and-bring-edgbaston-park-hotel-staff-in-house In the video below, Mike Moore (joint branch secretary) provides context regarding the working conditions at the Edgbaston Park Hotel. More detailed information: In July 2018, The University of Birmingham opened The Edgbaston Park Hotel, a subsidiary company owned entirely by the University*. Although the Hotel say that […]
Continue ReadingDo you know a language other than English, and would you be happy to translate a few flyers and posters for us? Let us know by filling in this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YRMY392?fbclid=IwAR0pgLHkP4pk8VC1SlcUK9tZ7OyrTYfspyEogC2-HsYwzABLuceB8cV3l9o
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Staff employed by Edgbaston Park Hotel (company set up and owned by the University!) have received a…… 1p pay rise…… so that their salaries would be brought up to the national MINIMUM Wage (£8.21). The National Living Wage rate is £9/hour. The University have committed to matching the Living Wage rate for 1 year (after […]
Continue ReadingThe Guardian have put out a call for anonymous submissions on the issue of institutional and direct racism on UK university campuses. We encourage you to submit your accounts. They ask: What are your experiences of racism on the UoB campus? Follow this link: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/mar/20/what-are-your-experiences-of-racism-at-university We would also like to bring to your attention a […]
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The problems with New Core are numerous and have been spoken about by the Union previously. There is also one issue that while not affecting all staff, will massively negatively impact those it does. The new HR & Payroll system is going to use and display staff member’s legal names (rather than preferred names, which […]
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We are glad that our motion on casualisation submitted to UNISON National Delegate Conference 2019 has been approved by the Standing Orders Committee (so it will be voted on in June). UNISON reps from other branches – please support this motion! Protection and membership for casualised workers Conference notes: • That millions of working-age […]
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UKHE Plc. How British universities are lining the pockets of Middle Eastern autocrats The article reads: ‘In Dubai, being gay or transgender risks imprisonment, flogging and execution, yet UoB has left staff and students without adequate guidance on what it will do to protect their rights when working or studying in Dubai, union leaders say’. To read the entire article (pp. 18-22), please […]
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A Report from the Women’s Conference by Jodie and Alison [Summary: Alison and Jodie attended the Women’s Conference in Bournemouth this year. There were several key themes that emerged throughout the three days, among which were; Young Women and the difficulties they face ; Sexual Harassment at work and how to challenge it ; Low […]
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It now looks certain that we will be moving to a formal strike ballot. Come to the members meeting on Tuesday 26th March at 12.30pm in 715 Muirhead Tower where we are planning to announce the dates for the ballot and plans for strike days and a wider campaign. If you cannot attend the afternoon […]
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