Birmingham city council has recently declared effective “bankruptcy” with most news articles tracing the issues back to massive equal pay liabilities at the council. This does not tell the whole story though, and could worryingly give the impression that workers are to blame for the sorry state of council finances. Following repeated court judgements including…
Birmingham University support staff vote to strike, as part of dispute over fair pay, equality, and improved working conditions Caterers, cleaners, security guards and other support staff at the University of Birmingham have voted in favour of strike action. The first strike day is likely to be an open day for prospective students on Friday…
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…
The general secretary is the most senior role in the union. They represent UNISON when talking to the media, other unions, employers and to Parliament. UNISON has to elect its general secretary every five years and the vote is now open. Look out for an envelope that looks like this posted to your home address. It’s simple…
Many workers across the country have understandable concerns following the prime minister’s announcement at the weekend, with its reference to “encouraging” people to return to work. UNISON and other trade unions are clear that a return to work at any workplace can only take place if stringent safety measures are put in place to protect…
The VC’s view of our dispute In August and September HR maintained that “negotiations were over” and our Vice Chancellor, Adam Tickell, was doing his best to pretend the dispute wasn’t happening at all. Professor Tickell has since broken a long silence on our action, first during a visit to our pickets last Tuesday and…
