Robot cleaning machine with a friendly face in a University of Birmingham building
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Is technology being used to mask staff shortages and increased workloads at UoB?

The good, the bad, and the thought-provoking: Our members’ experiences with AI and technology. The use of AI and automation at the University of Birmingham has become a talking point amongst our members at Unison University of Birmingham Branch. From drafting emails with AI tools to managing workflows with Power Automate, many staff are looking…

Jeremy Corbyn holding up a sign reading "I Support the #UoB2"
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Drop the UoB2 disciplinaries! Joint statement with Birmingham UCU

The past year has been one of horror and tragedy for the people of Gaza, Palestine and Lebanon. It has been necessary for all activists, trade unions and those who defend humanitarian values to bring the attention of the world to this situation, and to use their voices within their institutions to reduce suffering and…

Text reads "Constantly reacting to urgent?"
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UoB UNISON launches workplace stress campaign

We are launching a Workplace Stress Campaign in response to alarming trends identified in our casework, with the first stage being a survey open to all professional services (non-academic) staff at the University. This campaign aims to shine a light on the critical challenges many staff at the University are facing, including shrinking teams, rising…

Unison members at a rally at the train station
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UNISON settles dispute with University of Birmingham, winning key improvements on conditions

UNISON is thrilled to announce a significant victory in our dispute with the University of Birmingham over the pay spine reform. Thanks to our members’ unwavering support and strength, we have successfully negotiated key improvements in working conditions. Members voted to draw our strike to a close, but our campaign continues as we work to…

Photo of the student encampment on the green heart. A prominent banner reads "The Gaza heart liberated zone"
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UCU/UNISON joint statement of support of the Encampment – Camp Eviction

At 5am this morning, a squadron of bailiffs descended on the Green Heart and forcibly evicted our students from campus. This comes less than 48 hours after the Encampment has been served with a Possession Order, and represents an aggressive choice, clearly timed in order to punish and go unchallenged. Our unions strongly condemn this…

Hands holding up balloons that spell out "Vote"
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Consultation now open on University offer

Updated Friday 21 June. After serious consideration by both the committee and members in our latest meeting on Friday 7 June, our consultation on the offer from the University is now open. You will receive your voting link by email, with a text voting link to follow shortly afterwards for those who would prefer to…

Photo of the student encampment on the green heart. A prominent banner reads "The Gaza heart liberated zone"
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UCU and UNISON statement on the Gaza Encampment

Joint statement from the UCU and UNISON branch committees We are writing in response to Adam Tickell’s message from the VC. He has announced that the university has decided to seek legal action against its own students based on their peaceful, disciplined and orderly protest. This protest asks us to not turn our gaze from…

a photograph taken over the shoulder of a person writing on a picket sign reading "hands off our t's and c's"

Accessible Picketing: What is it, and why is it so important?

Picket lines disrupt, which is a good thing. The disruption caused by staff on picket lines proves both the value of staff who are absent and their unity and strength of feeling in what they are striking about. In UoB Unison’s dispute, picket lines make our campaign for better terms and conditions visible to the…

UNISON members at the University of Birmingham on the picket line
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Strike action to take place 24, 25 and 26 April

If you weren’t at this weeks’ members meetings, unfortunately, you will have missed a knotty and lively debate on the University’s most recent statement, and our decision to take three days of action next week (Weds 24-Fri 26th April). Talks with the University The debate came shortly after receiving a late message from HR, detailing…