Apologies: NF, ER, PB
1. Report from Higher Education Special Sector Conference (BL and DF)
The mood was significantly different from the previous HESSC as there has now been strike action at Leeds (which has led management to back down), and there are now ballots occurring at Sussex, Kent, KCL, UCL, Westminster and elsewhere. The overall consensus was that we need to connect our pay claim to the defence of Higher Education, and that we should have a national strategy for a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies, rather than treating disputes as local. The ballot will take place before the election.
The main debates were over tactics: whether or not we take on a national strategy (even for branches where there are no cuts). There seemed to be some nervousness about public opinion, but there is an easy argument to make around access to education (as one of the consequences is that many students will be denied places). We need to make sure other branches with their disputes, and make it clear that we are not willing to be the scapegoats of what bankers have done to the economy.
At Goldsmiths, we are not overflowing with money, but nor are we having serious money problems. The danger is that we assume that everything is fine – but we have to remember that the 2.5% cut is only the beginning.
2. Report on JNC (MM)
We've been working through procedures and they have been agreed, we're in the process of completing our recognition agreement. There was a report on College finances (similar to that made in the Warden's Open Meeting) which explains that we're not in a desire situation but things are close; the objective is to achieve the 2.5% cut with no compulsory redundancies. we will receive the HEFCE letter shortly and the situation will be more clear.
3. Malcolm Povey (President, Leeds University) via Skype Background: threatened with 10% cuts, on top of university reviews that have already led to 50 people losing their jobs. The University tried to derecognise UCU. In the end we had to go for strike action; on our ballot 2/3 voted for strike action and ¾ for action short of a strike. Once we called the strike the University's attitude changed, and we were offered no compulsory redundancies, and they had to seriously negotiated.
The mobilisation started with the review of Biological Sciences (where they were about to lose 70 jobs). The department got a letter from professors protesting this, and taking the moral high ground (a defence of academic freedom) – which was reinforced by the authoritarian behaviour of management. We also launched a membership campaign and now have 1800 members.
(in response to question about tactical advice) Hold departmental meetings, and listen to what concerns are. To mobilise members, you have to give them hope, and give them a way of fighting back – and then people join the union with higher expectations.
3. Discussion on HE cuts
We shouldn't see voluntary redundancies as something benign – because the question remains about who will do the work. We shouldn't say we will give things up because we 'have to'.
We need to find out what the figures are that justify the cuts.
We need to make sure departments aren't pitted against each other, or individuals against each other.
We need to work with the students. We may not be able to rely on NUS nationally, but we can work with local NUS branches
ACTION POINTS
1. Hold an open meeting with Unison and the SU to organise against the cuts. DF to contact.
2. Hold departmental meetings for staff (not only for union members); put minutes online.
3. Set up a working party to raise awareness at Goldsmiths and co-ordinate solidarity with other branches. MM, JR, SY, BGJ DF volunteered. If you would like to be involved email Kirsten at gucu-admin@gold.ac.uk.
Any questions? email us at gucu-admin@gold.ac.uk.