Apologies: PB, BL, KF, LB
1. Recognition agreement
This is now being signed off - much to be welcomed.
2. Report back from emergency JNCC on proposals for Voluntary Severance and flexible working
A number of improvements asked for had been agreed : mainly 4 months pay on top of statutory minimum increased to 6 months pay on top of statutory minimum, the final date for agreeing who should take this has been extended to 20th Sept 2010 and the criteria for deciding on eligibility to include consideration of potential implications on workloads of others (i.e. workloads can't just be off loaded onto others, thereby increasing unreasonable pressures).
Members raised the importance of transparency on how work within depts will be redistributed, as result of VSS noting need for careful monitoring of other staff taking on more/different work, after colleagues have left.
Proposed that HR will need to meet with all managers to ensure
transparency, fairness etc.
It was also noted that non replacement of staff an issue already in some
depts although officially there are is no freezing of posts at present.
The College to put out updated info within the week. See :
http://cms.gold.ac.uk/hr/policies/temporaryvoluntaryseverancescheme/
2. Update on USS pensions negotiations
Series of meetings at UCU HQ, Ed Randall had attended.
Scheme may need to change due to longer life expectancy and decline in investment values. So this has led to review.
Independent chairman was appointed by agreement of USS, UCU and employers.
Employers, employees and the pension scheme need to plan together for the
pension system.
But employers unable to put forward any impressive proposals, and unable to agree among themselves. Legally, terms of scheme cannot be changed without agreement.
Formal UCU consultation on any options which should have happened in
April 2010 now to happen over the summer.
3. Motion re points based immigration: amendment
Instruct the NEC to launch a high profile campaign opposing restrictions to student and employment visas and highlighting the contribution made to UK society by international students and staff;
See : http://homepages.gold.ac.uk/ucu/motionPBI.html
Unanimously agreed. Des Freedman proposed as delegate at Congress
4. Open meeting with the new Warden
Noted new warden had called an open meeting on Thursday 28th April.
Unison and UCU to meet with him on May 6th - suggestions put forward of our main concerns.
5. Lewisham Trades Council
Agreed to affiliate to Lewisham Trades Council
6. Discussion on recruitment and organising postponed- although the
importance of this emphasised.
Any questions? email gucu-admin@gold.ac.uk.