No-one changes the world by themselves, but when tens of thousands of us join together, we can begin to make a difference. We have to be brave, and be brave together.
As UCU members, we show solidarity with students and with other sections of the workforce. We know we are not just fighting for ourselves, but for the future of education and research.
We gain confidence from each other. Further Education members were inspired by Higher Education members, and lifted by the teachers’ strikes. We have all been inspired by the struggles of NHS workers and across different sectors.
We need to encourage a culture of solidarity throughout our union. When members face redundancies in one department or college, we need to rally round to ensure they win.
The UK trade union movement has a huge fight on its hands against a Tory Government which wants to ram through more anti-strike laws under the guise of so-called “Minimum Service Levels”. This same Government is trying to force through pay cuts and attacks on jobs, conditions and public services. Trade unions are right to fight back and they are right to send a clear message that we will not comply with the Government’s unjust new laws, and we must oppose the new wave of anti-trade union legislation with more than fine words.
As UNITE General Secretary Sharon Graham said recently, we should back our members if they break these unjust laws and commit to acting ‘outside the law’ if necessary. If they attempt to limit our right to strike we have to resist by any means necessary. We wouldn’t have unions, the right to strike, or even the right to vote, if our predecessors had only taken action within unjust laws.
As General Secretary I will work with other unions not only to campaign against this attack on trade union rights, but to deliver hard-hitting coordinated strikes to push back the Government’s offensive.
Trade Union relations within UCU
As General Secretary, I also have to ensure staff working for UCU have support and good terms and conditions. I oppose the undermining of the collective bargaining agreement with UNITE for staff, and don’t believe recognising a different union for higher grade staff is acceptable. As GS I will work with Unite to resolve ongoing disputes within the agreed frameworks. I will join UNITE the Union.
Saira Weiner for UCU General Secretary 