Business of the strategy and finance committee

31 May 2012

UCU Congress 2012: Saturday 9 June 2012, 16:00-18:00 & Private session, Sunday 10 June 2012, 9:30-11:45

Chapter 1 of the NEC's report to UCU Congress 2012.
UCU413.html | UCU413.rtf

MOTIONS:

34 - Resist inequalities
B14 - The economic crisis and the public ownership of the banks
35 - Irresponsible capitalism and social injustice
36 - UCU and constitutional change
37 - Defending the right to protest
38 - Alternative economic and political strategy
39 - Employment tribunals
40 - Public sector pay strategy
41 - National pay agreements and rejection of regional pay
42 - National bargaining
43 - Approval process for industrial action
44 - Solidarity with trade unions in the Middle East and North Africa
45 - Political prisoners and academic freedom violations in Colombia
46 - Education developments in Venezuela
47 - Solidarity with Greece and campaigning against neo-liberal European austerity policies
48 - Call for caution in lifting sanctions on Burma
49 - Solidarity with Bhopal: Boycott Dow
50 - Campaign against indefinite detention
B30 - Student strikes in Quebec

PRIVATE SESSION:

51 - Appointment of Auditors
52 - Financial statements
53 - Budget 2012-2013
54 - Subscription rates
55 - Subscription rate review
56 - UCU resource in regions
57 - Election of full time officials
58 - Legal services
59 - Support for part-time lecturers
60 - FairPensions
61 - Biennial Congress
62 - Democracy within UCU
63 - Consultative ballots
L5 - Union democracy and use of membership surveys
64 - UCU Policy
65 - Changes to UCU structure
66 - Constitutional reforms
67 - Towards a smaller NEC
68 - Representation and constituencies in decision making
69 - The continuation of UCU structures for members on casual contracts
B33 - Emergency motion

Other parliamentary and joint union work (end of report paragraph 5)

34 Resist inequalities - Liverpool Hope University

The UCU Congress notes the growing income inequality gap between the rich and working class people as a result of market-friendly policies. We are witnessing the transfer of vast quantities of public resources from working people to capital. The government takes resources from education, social services, health care etc while enabling corporations to gain through corporate tax subsidies, direct subsidies, bank bailouts, and/or investment opportunities. This transfer of public resources is highlighted by the government's recent cancellation of the bankers' bonus tax which could have raised billions of pounds and the government's attempts to decrease our pensions.

The UCU Congress resolves to:

support local, national and international campaigns against austerity
support campaigns towards a fair re-distribution of resources
highlight the transfer of resources.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

Amendments 34A.1 and 34A.2: if these amendments are passed, amendment 38A.1 is passed by implication.

34A.1 Croydon College and University of Liverpool

Add a new point 1 under 'The UCU Congress resolves to' and re-number accordingly:

1.congratulate the Occupy movement for successfully highlighting the growing disparity between the 1% and the 99%, and Right to Work activists for exposing and undermining the iniquitous workfare schemes

Add new point 5:

5. support calls on the TUC to organise a national demonstration in the autumn against the government's austerity measures.

CARRIED

34A.2 East Midlands regional committee

add new points 2 and 3 and renumber appropriately

2. endorse the call by Unison and others for the TUC to call an autumn demonstration against the government's vicious austerity measures aimed at workers' incomes, services and benefits;

3. support and mobilise for the NUS's autumn national demonstration to defend education.

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

The UCU Congress resolves to:

congratulate the Occupy movement for successfully highlighting the growing disparity between the 1% and the 99%, and Right to Work activists for exposing and undermining the iniquitous workfare schemes
support local, national and international campaigns against austerity
endorse the call by Unison and others for the TUC to call an autumn demonstration against the government's vicious austerity measures aimed at workers' incomes, services and benefit
support and mobilise for the NUS's autumn national demonstration to defend education
support campaigns towards a fair re-distribution of resources
highlight the transfer of resources
support calls on the TUC to organise a national demonstration in the autumn against the government's austerity measures.

B14 The economic crisis and the public ownership of the banks - West Midlands retired members

UCU Congress notes that:

We are living through the worst crisis of capitalism since the 1930s.
The government is trying to resolve the crisis by cutting public spending.
These cuts are having a drastic effect on the living standards and jobs of working class people, especially women and youth.
The capitalist system itself caused the crisis and those responsible for the system continue to draw huge salaries and bonuses.
The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer.
Working class people are being forced to pay for a crisis that they did not cause.
The policies of the banking and finance sector are laying the foundation for an even greater crisis in the future.

Congress believes that the banks and finance houses are not fit for purpose and should be taken into public ownership under democratic control.

CARRIED

35 Irresponsible capitalism and social injustice - South retired members

Congress recognises that government austerity measures require the most vulnerable members of society, including elderly, retired, disabled and unemployed people, to bear the cost of irresponsible capitalism and inadequate regulation of the financial industry. The resulting sharp increase in income disparities, poverty and social disadvantage is morally and politically unacceptable and an affront to any notion of social justice.

Congress instructs the NEC to make common cause with other trade unions in lobbying government to ensure that resources for vulnerable citizens are protected, while making financially privileged individuals and institutions make a substantially increased contribution to reducing the national deficit.

CARRIED

Devolved administrations (report paragraph 6.3)

36 UCU and constitutional change - UCU Scotland

Congress notes the increasingly divergent character of Scottish higher education policy under devolution, from that of the rest of the United Kingdom. Congress further notes the potential for additional rapid and dramatic change in Scottish educational policy following any future referendum on independence or further devolution.

Congress moves to advance an internal UCU discussion on how best to organise to meet changes in governance in each constituent part of the UK - England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales - and in particular the ramifications of this change on tertiary education policy.

CARRIED

TUC (report paragraph 7.2)

37 Defending the right to protest - South East regional committee

Congress notes:

increased use of violent police tactics during protests to defend education/public services;
shock at Cambridge UCU member Holland's treatment;
deliberate transformation of universities from debating spaces into business-driven ideas-free degree factories;
numerous arrests and disproportionate charges brought by police and prosecutors using powers to enforce the law as they choose;
student protesters unjustly charged with violent disorder and imprisoned;
unacceptable treatment of those in public custody.

Congress believes such intimidatory tactics cannot be allowed to compromise freedom to protest and demonstrate commitment to defending jobs and education.

Congress resolves to:

send regular e-literature from DTRTP campaign to branches for circulation to all members and continue official support;
resist alongside DTRTP disproportionate use of judicial force on protesters fighting privatisation of education and public services;
approach Kennedy-QC, Mansfield-QC, Corbyn-MP, Amnesty, for a joint demand for a public enquiry into arrests, police violence, disproportionate charges.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

37A.1 University of Birmingham

Before 'Congress resolves to', insert:

'Congress believes that acts of dissent within Higher Education are particularly well founded at present, especially given many Universities' support for the Government's disastrous attempts to commercialise the sector.

Congress opposes all attempts by Universities to outlaw or prevent non-violent protest.

Congress stands in solidarity with and will actively campaign to support any member of the University community (staff or student) who is targeted for expressing dissent.'

CARRIED

37A.2 South East regional committee

Add to points under 'Congress notes':

7. hung jury in Alfie Meadows' case calls into question the decision to prosecute: this is a political attack on the democratic right to protest.

8. evidence in court has exposed corruption, brutality, lack of accountability of the police, demonstrating the need for an independent public enquiry.

And put the following three points as the first items under 'Congress resolves', re-label the others accordingly:

a. require GS and President to make fulsome contributions through detailed press releases, speaking at platforms.

b. campaign against criminalisation of protest.

c. support Alfie's fight for justice.

CARRIED

37A.3 Southern regional committee

In c. delete 'approach Kennedy...for' and replace with 'propose'.

LOST

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

Congress notes:

increased use of violent police tactics during protests to defend education/public services;
shock at Cambridge UCU member Holland's treatment;
deliberate transformation of universities from debating spaces into business-driven ideas-free degree factories;
numerous arrests and disproportionate charges brought by police and prosecutors using powers to enforce the law as they choose;
student protesters unjustly charged with violent disorder and imprisoned;
unacceptable treatment of those in public custody
hung jury in Alfie Meadows' case calls into question the decision to prosecute: this is a political attack on the democratic right to protest
evidence in court has exposed corruption, brutality, lack of accountability of the police, demonstrating the need for an independent public enquiry.

Congress believes such intimidatory tactics cannot be allowed to compromise freedom to protest and demonstrate commitment to defending jobs and education.

Congress believes that acts of dissent within Higher Education are particularly well founded at present, especially given many Universities' support for the Government's disastrous attempts to commercialise the sector.

Congress opposes all attempts by Universities to outlaw or prevent non-violent protest.

Congress stands in solidarity with and will actively campaign to support any member of the University community (staff or student) who is targeted for expressing dissent.

Congress resolves to:

require GS and President to make fulsome contributions through detailed press releases, speaking at platforms
campaign against criminalisation of protest
support Alfie's fight for justice
send regular e-literature from DTRTP campaign to branches for circulation to all members and continue official support;
resist alongside DTRTP disproportionate use of judicial force on protesters fighting privatisation of education and public services;
approach Kennedy-QC, Mansfield-QC, Corbyn-MP, Amnesty, for a joint demand for a public enquiry into arrests, police violence, disproportionate charges.

TUC (after report paragraph 7.4)

38 Alternative economic and political strategy - Northern regional committee

Congress recognises that broad-based campaigning around the policy points of the People's Charter and the Charter for Women provides the framework for a coherent alternative economic and political strategy to the current orthodoxy, opening up a way out of austerity in the interests of working people.

Congress however regards the TUC's 2011 decision in favour of 'an alternative economic strategy' as a retrograde step compared with its 2009 support for the People's Charter, since specific campaigning points have been replaced by a general wish-list, with campaigning reduced to lobbying the Government and Opposition.

Congress therefore calls upon the NEC to place before the 2012 TUC a motion affirming that the People's Charter and the Charter for Women are at the heart of the alternative economic strategy and calling on affiliates to campaign in workplaces and communities, alongside trades union councils, for the perspectives of these Charters.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

38A.1 University of Brighton Moulsecoomb

Add new clause at end:

Congress welcomes the decision of the TUC to call a demonstration in the autumn against the Government's austerity programme, and the decision of the NUS to hold a demonstration against Government education policy. Congress resolves that UCU will hold a national mobilisation in support of both events.

PASSED BY IMPLICATION (SEE 34)

38A.2 March against austerity October 20 Barnsley College

Add at end:

This Congress welcomes the decision of the TUC to call a national March Against Austerity in London on Saturday October 20th. It recognises the importance that the 2011 TUC March for the Alternative had in building the mood inside the trade union movement for united action against government austerity policies as shown by the strikes on June 30th and November 30th. Congress believes this march will have a similar beneficial effect.

Congress therefore calls on every branch of the union to make building this march one of its organising priorities. It calls on branches to work with other unions the National Union of Students in our institutions, and the wider trade union movement in mobilising for this. Congress resolves to make special funds available to every branch that organises transport for the march so that members and their families can benefit from subsidised travel.

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

39 Employment tribunals - National Executive Committee

The proposed new fees for Employment Tribunal claims envisage complex and higher value claims having higher fees. Most of these complex and higher value claims will be discrimination cases. The Ministry of Justice's own EIA acknowledges that this may impact disproportionately on women and in race and disability cases.

With fees between £200 to £2,350, waivers set at low levels and access to the questions procedures only available in the tribunal, this represents an attack on the most vulnerable working people. It will be seen as a green light to the worst employers who will believe legal remedies will not be sought however egregious their behaviour. While trade unions will never see tribunal as the first resort this must be challenged.

Congress resolves that UCU will work with other TUs to take all possible action to challenge the introduction of any fees system that will deny justice.

CARRIED

40 Public sector pay strategy - Northumbria University

Congress recognises that the attack on public sector pensions is a central part of the government's strategy to make working people pay for the financial crisis and to achieve privatisation of public services, by reducing the costs for privateers. Fighting on pensions alone - essential as it is - is therefore insufficient. Resistance to government policies has to be built across a broad front of issues, uniting trades unionists, students, the unemployed, retired workers and those on benefits.

Among those issues, pay must be a high priority. The public sector pay freeze serves the government's strategy in the same way as does its attack on pensions, and can only be fought in the same way.

Congress therefore instructs the NEC to initiate discussions with other public sector unions with the view of drawing up a pay strategy involving coordinated industrial action and public campaigning to achieve a common and significant pay increase.

CARRIED

41 Composite: National pay agreements and rejection of regional pay - Southern regional committee, Chesterfield College, London regional committee

This Congress condemns the government's proposals highlighted in the budget to terminate national pay agreements and introduce regional pay across the public sector.

Congress notes the proposals at Chesterfield College to put a ceiling on point 32 of the FE salary scale, thereby in effect pulling out of nationally negotiated pay rates. These proposals were accompanied by comments from the college management stating that salary levels at the college needed to reflect 'local labour market conditions'.

Congress believes that proposals to undermine nationally agreed pay and terms and conditions are a grave threat to all workers in the public and private sector and represent an unacceptable 'race to the bottom'.

Congress expresses its clear rejection of regional pay on the grounds that:

it is designed to undermine trade unions in the public sector
it will reinforce the increasing economic imbalance between different regions in the United Kingdom
it will unjustly pay workers at a worse rate for the same job
it will lead to wasteful local pay negotiations
it is based on false and misleading comparisons between public and private sectors.

Therefore, Congress instructs the NEC to:

take action in conjunction with other public sector unions to reverse this ideologically driven attack on the public sector
vigorously campaign alongside other unions to defend and extend nationally negotiated pay and terms of conditions
consider nationally aggregated action in support of any members whose management uses the argument of regional pay to justify pay cut or freeze.

CARRIED

42 National Bargaining - University of Brighton Moulsecoomb

Congress believes local bargaining would:

create a race to the bottom for many institutions in both sectors;
undermine national contracts in FE and post-92 universities;
create damaging pay differentials within and between regions, leading to the further fragmentation of FE and HE;
have damaging medium-term effects on job security and satisfaction, and on pensions' benefits;
produce further regional differentiation in educational provision;
worsen economic differences between metropoles and other areas.

Congress resolves that:

NEC will organise a campaign for all members, and across sectors, in defence of national bargaining, delivered in localities by regional offices and committees;
no region or branch will be sanctioned to engage in talks or negotiations on pay rates and pay increases, or on any worsening of existing national terms and conditions.

REMITTED

CBC advice to chair: if 42A.1 is passed, 42A.2 falls.

42A.1 Southern regional committee

In b., delete ' engage in talks or negotiations on pay rates and pay increases, or on', leaving:

No region or branch will be sanctioned to agree to any worsening of existing national terms and conditions.

42A.2 National Executive Committee

Delete b and replace with:

UCU shall provide maximum support and guidance to branches involved in local negotiations and shall ensure that these negotiations continue within a national framework and that, wherever possible, any locally negotiated outcomes do not lead to a worsening of existing terms and conditions.

42A.3 Composite: Black members standing committee, National Executive Committee

Add new point 7 'would have a disproportionate impact on the pay and conditions of black members, women members, disabled members, LGBT members and those on casualised contracts and make it even more difficult to reduce the pay inequalities'

Add new point c) 'UCU will ensure the impact on those with a protected characteristic is part of the work undertaken in points a) and b).

43 Approval process for industrial action - London Met University City

The professionalism and detailed knowledge of UCU local officers supported by UCU regional officials should always be respected throughout all sections of the union.

The 'default' position with regard applications for activating industrial ballots is always the position adopted by the branch officers (as endorsed by the regional official) unless/until there is any clarification sought and received within a reasonable time line.

Where very exceptionally there is no time for consultation with all parties, the default 'branch' position must be followed and due notice given to management.

CARRIED

Middle East and North Africa (report paragraph 8.1)

44 Solidarity with trade unions in the Middle East and North Africa - National Executive Committee

Congress:

welcomes the emergence of new independent trade unions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including within the education and university sectors;
criticises the continuing use of repressive union legislation in countries such as Egypt;
condemns the imprisonment of the leadership of the Bahraini Teachers' Association (BTA).

Congressresolves to continue to:

work with Education International (EI) and the TUC in providing practical solidarity and support for the new education unions;
campaign for the release of the BTA leadership;
publicise the work of the MENA Solidarity Network menasolidaritynetwork.com

CARRIED AS AMENDED

44A.1 Yorkshire and Humberside regional committee

Add a new clause in the first section under 'Congress':

Congress further notes the repression of trade unionists active in the Syrian democracy movement by the Assad regime, which has killed and tortured thousands, and the regime's condemnation by the Arab League and the international trade union movement.

Add at end:

oppose Western military intervention in Syria and mandate the GS to contact the Foreign Office and the Syrian Ambassador to express UCU's condemnation of current repression and to seek links through EI to Syrian education unions.

CARRIED

44A.2 Black members standing committee

Add after 'Egypt' in point 2 'Saudi Arabia, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Iraq, Turkey and Algeria'

Add at end of point a) and a report be prepared for the NEC on the attacks on independent trade unions in the Middle East and North Africa'

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

Congress:

welcomes the emergence of new independent trade unions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including within the education and university sectors;
criticises the continuing use of repressive union legislation in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, Iraq, Turkey and Algeria;
condemns the imprisonment of the leadership of the Bahraini Teachers' Association (BTA).

Congress resolves to continue to:

work with Education International (EI) and the TUC in providing practical solidarity and support for the new education unions and a report be prepared for the NEC on the attacks on independent trade unions in the Middle East and North Africa;
campaign for the release of the BTA leadership;
publicise the work of the MENA Solidarity Network menasolidaritynetwork.com
oppose Western military intervention in Syria and mandate the GS to contact the Foreign Office and the Syrian Ambassador to express UCU's condemnation of current repression and to seek links through EI to Syrian education unions.

Latin America (report paragraph 9.1)

45 Political prisoners and academic freedom violations in Colombia - National Executive Committee

Congress notes:

trade unionists and academics face severe human rights violations in Colombia;
215 trade unionists have been killed since 2007;
hundreds of political prisoners, including academics, are held in Colombia's jails, severely limiting free speech and academic freedom;
former political prisoners and academics Dr Miguel Beltrán and Liliany Obando have faced continued threats, harassment and false accusations since their release;
the violations take place in the context of an armed conflict, and large sectors of Colombian civil society, including our trade union colleagues, are calling for a peace process to help end the abuses.

Congress resolves to:

campaign for the release of all Colombian political prisoners and for the protection of released political prisoners;
support the Justice for Colombia (JfC) campaign for a peace process www.justiceforcolombia.org/campaigns/peace/;
continue to affiliate to JfC and to encourage local branches to support their work.

CARRIED

Latin America (after report paragraph 9.2)

46 Education developments in Venezuela - National Executive Committee

Congress notes:

the significant social progress made in Venezuela since the election of Chavez-led governments in 1998;
the expansion of educational opportunities at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels;
the increased participation in higher education programmes, through the establishment of new universities, decentralised 'community universities' and scholarships for low-income students.

Congress believes the Venezuelan experience indicates that there are alternatives to spending cuts, rising tuition fees and the abolition of access programmes such as Aim Higher and the EMA.

Congress resolves to work with the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign and other UK education unions:

to raise awareness amongst members about recent post-school education developments in Venezuela;
to help produce a special education newsletter on Venezuela.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

46A.1 West Midlands regional committee

In paragraph 3, between 'Venezuela Solidarity Campaign' and 'and other UK education unions', insert 'and other campaigns in defence of Venezuela's Bolivarian revolution such as Hands Off Venezuela'.

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

Congress notes:

the significant social progress made in Venezuela since the election of Chavez-led governments in 1998;
the expansion of educational opportunities at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels;
the increased participation in higher education programmes, through the establishment of new universities, decentralised 'community universities' and scholarships for low-income students.

Congress believes the Venezuelan experience indicates that there are alternatives to spending cuts, rising tuition fees and the abolition of access programmes such as Aim Higher and the EMA.

Congress resolves to work with the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, and other campaigns in defence of Venezuela's Bolivarian revolution such as Hands Off Venezuela, and other UK education unions:

to raise awareness amongst members about recent post-school education developments in Venezuela;
to help produce a special education newsletter on Venezuela.

Europe (report paragraph 10.1)

47 Composite: Solidarity with Greece and campaigning against neo-liberal European austerity policies - National Executive Committee, University College London, London retired members

Congress notes the increasing cuts in public services, including education, in countries across Europe and the severe attacks on education workers' pay and conditions.

Greece is at the cutting edge of the neo-liberal austerity measures that are being introduced across Europe. Greek people face an avalanche of cuts to pay debts incurred by bankers and politicians. These cuts are exacerbating the economic situation.

Congress notes that in Greece:

unemployment is 20% overall (50% for young people)
public sector workers' wages have fallen by up to 40%
the minimum wage has been cut by 20%
the EU-ECB-IMF 'Troika' imposed an unelected banker as Greek PM
Greek workers and students have launched waves of strikes, occupations and mass demonstrations that have rocked the political establishment in Europe.

Congress welcomes the widely-supported development of a European Front to Defend the People of Greece and all those facing austerity. Congress salutes the ordinary Greek people for their collective strength in resisting the damage of austerity by campaigning and giving each other practical support. Congress is appalled by the vicious severity of public sector cuts, including education cuts, imposed on Greece.

Congress believes:

workers and students in Europe are being made to pay for a crisis they didn't create
investment in education and training remains one of the best ways out of the current economic and social crisis
it is important to encourage education union solidarity across Europe.

Congress resolves:

to support the EI/ETUCE action and campaign on the economic crisis http://etuce.homestead.com/ETUCE_Crisis.html
to publicise the 'Appeal for solidarity with the people of Greece' and to explore further ways of developing links with Greek education workers http://www.coalitionofresistance.org.uk/2012/02/sign-the-appeal-for-solidarity-with-the-people-of-greece/
to continue to campaign for progressive alternatives such as the Financial Transactions Tax
to publicise the issue of Greek solidarity and encourage debates about the Greek crisis at every level of the union
to support all broad-based UK initiatives of solidarity with Greek workers and students
to organise a speaking tour of Greek strikers in 2012
to develop links with Greek education unions by exchanges and visits involving lay members
to ask UCU branches to twin with Greek union branches/villages/towns - if necessary, with the advice of a Greek regional university union branch and the European Front, in order to offer our solidarity and support.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

47A.1 UCL

Add new point 5 to Congress notes:

5. That on 6 May, as soon as they had the chance, Greek electors switched their vote to parties campaigning for a lifting or renegotiation of the debt.

and renumber old point 5 as 6.

Add to Congress resolves:

ix. to publicly support the Jubilee Debt Campaign call for the immediate cancellation of Greek debt by the Troika, and to invite EI/ETUCE, other trades unions, professional bodies and civil society organisations to support this call.

CARRIED

47A.2 National Executive Committee

In paragraph vi under 'Congress resolves', delete 'organise' and insert: 'explore with other unions the possibility of organising'.

LOST

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

Congress notes the increasing cuts in public services, including education, in countries across Europe and the severe attacks on education workers' pay and conditions.

Congress notes that in Greece:

unemployment is 20% overall (50% for young people)
public sector workers' wages have fallen by up to 40%
the minimum wage has been cut by 20%
the EU-ECB-IMF 'Troika' imposed an unelected banker as Greek PM
that on 6 May, as soon as they had the chance, Greek electors switched their vote to parties campaigning for a lifting or renegotiation of the debt.
Greek workers and students have launched waves of strikes, occupations and mass demonstrations that have rocked the political establishment in Europe.

Congress believes:

workers and students in Europe are being made to pay for a crisis they didn't create
investment in education and training remains one of the best ways out of the current economic and social crisis
it is important to encourage education union solidarity across Europe.

Congress resolves:

to support the EI/ETUCE action and campaign on the economic crisis http://etuce.homestead.com/ETUCE_Crisis.html
to publicise the 'Appeal for solidarity with the people of Greece' and to explore further ways of developing links with Greek education workers http://www.coalitionofresistance.org.uk/2012/02/sign-the-appeal-for-solidarity-with-the-people-of-greece/
to continue to campaign for progressive alternatives such as the Financial Transactions Tax
to publicise the issue of Greek solidarity and encourage debates about the Greek crisis at every level of the union
to support all broad-based UK initiatives of solidarity with Greek workers and students
to organise a speaking tour of Greek strikers in 2012
to develop links with Greek education unions by exchanges and visits involving lay members
to ask UCU branches to twin with Greek union branches/villages/towns - if necessary, with the advice of a Greek regional university union branch and the European Front, in order to offer our solidarity and support
to publicly support the Jubilee Debt Campaign call for the immediate cancellation of Greek debt by the Troika, and to invite EI/ETUCE, other trades unions, professional bodies and civil society organisations to support this call.

After paragraph 13 in report, new paragraph 14: Asia

48 Call for caution in lifting sanctions on Burma - Sunderland College

In recent months there have been welcome changes in the Burmese government's political processes but no repressive laws have been repealed nor power or control relinquished by the government or military. Congress advises caution in the lifting of sanctions and calls on the National Executive to:

press the British Government and E.U to urge a policy of caution in the lifting of sanctions and to make them conditional on progress in the areas of human rights, economic justice and democracy in Burma
encourage branches to affiliate with organisations which promote human rights and development in Burma (e.g. Burma Campaign UK, Burmalink UK)
support Burmese trade unions (FTUB and Federation of Trade Unions Kawthoolei) by encouraging:

a. twinning between branches / regions and Burmese trade unions

b. branches to 'adopt' labour activists who remain imprisoned in Burma

c. a delegation of Burmese trade unionists to visit the UK.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

48A.1 National Executive Committee

After the first sentence, insert:

'Congress notes the decision of the EU on 23 April to suspend all sanctions (except the arms embargo) on Burma for one year' (23 words)

After bullet point 1, insert a new bullet point 2:

'To support the International Trade Union Confederation's (ITUC) proposals for a new binding mechanism that ensures that companies investing in, or sourcing from Burma respect human rights, the environment and the rule of law http://www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/investment_burma.pdf' (35 words)

In 3, after Federation of Trade Unions Kawthoolei, ADD

'and other newly emerging independent unions' (6 words)

At the beginning of 3.c., ADD

'in conjunction with the TUC,' (5 words)

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

In recent months there have been welcome changes in the Burmese government's political processes but no repressive laws have been repealed nor power or control relinquished by the government or military. Congress notes the decision of the EU on 23 April to suspend all sanctions (except the arms embargo) on Burma for one year. Congress advises caution in the lifting of sanctions and calls on the National Executive to:

press the British Government and E.U to urge a policy of caution in the lifting of sanctions and to make them conditional on progress in the areas of human rights, economic justice and democracy in Burma
To support the International Trade Union Confederation's (ITUC) proposals for a new binding mechanism that ensures that companies investing in, or sourcing from Burma respect human rights, the environment and the rule of law http://www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/investment_burma.pdf
encourage branches to affiliate with organisations which promote human rights and development in Burma (e.g. Burma Campaign UK, Burmalink UK)
support Burmese trade unions (FTUB and Federation of Trade Unions Kawthoolei and other newly emerging independent unions) by encouraging:

a. twinning between branches / regions and Burmese trade unions

b. branches to 'adopt' labour activists who remain imprisoned in Burma

c. in conjunction with the TUC, a delegation of Burmese trade unionists to visit the UK.

49 Solidarity with Bhopal: Boycott Dow - Queen Margaret University

Congress notes that:

The Dow Chemical Company, sponsor of the 2012 London Olympics, also has a presence in universities in Britain through funding research, sponsorship and student awards such as the Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award.
Dow is the owner of Union Carbide Corporation, the company responsible for the Bhopal gas disaster. Union Carbide is wanted on criminal charges in India and has been named as a fugitive from justice.
Dow is named in a curative petition in the Indian Supreme Court in relation to compensation for the Bhopal gas disaster and in Madhya Pradesh High Court in relation to remediation of the abandoned Union Carbide factory site.
Bhopal survivors' groups and the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal have called for a boycott of Dow.

Congress therefore calls on UCU members to support the Bhopal survivors by refusing to participate in Dow sponsored or funded activities.

CARRIED

New paragraph 15 in report: Asylum seekers

50 Campaign against indefinite detention - National Executive Committee

Congress notes with great concern that 255 asylum seekers have been in detention for more than a year, some for more than five years. Congress believes that this is a severe and unacceptable violation of their human rights, including to education.

Congress resolves to:

endorse and support the National Campaign Against Indefinite Detention initiated by Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees (to which several UCU branches are affiliated).
make a contribution of £750 to the National Campaign Against Indefinite Detention as a contribution to the costs of their current postcard campaign.
circulate materials about the campaign to all members and encourage them to participate in the postcard campaign. To send a postcard to every member with the next hard copy mailing.
write to the Home Secretary and UK Border Agency, asking for indefinite detention to be ended and these 255 asylum seekers be released immediately.

CARRIED

New paragraph: Student strikes in Canada

B30 Emergency motion: Student strikes in Quebec

Congress congratulates the students in Quebec for their uncompromising stand and historic movement against increases in student fees. Since mid-April, over 150,000 students have been on unlimited strike and demonstrations of 400 000 students and supporters have taken place in Montreal.

We abhor to actions of the Quebec government, which is refusing to negotiate further and has passed Bill 78, a severe attack on democratic rights which restricts freedom of assembly, protest, picketing, and the right to strike.

We resolve to send a message of solidarity to La CLASSE (Coalition large de l'Association pour une solidarite syndicale etudiante/broad coalition around the student trade union association) and to make a donation of £100 to their urgent call for funds to continue their struggle.

CARRIED

PRIVATE SESSION

Finance and property (report paragraph 1)

51 Appointment of auditors - National Executive Committee

Congress approves the appointment of Knox Cropper as the union's auditors for the year ending 31 August 2012.

CARRIED

52 Financial statements - National Executive Committee

Congress receives the union's audited financial statements for the 12-month period ending 31 August 2011 as set out in UCU418.

CARRIED

53 Budget 2012-2013 - National Executive Committee

Congress endorses the budget for September 2012- August 2013 as set out in UCU419.

CARRIED

54 Subscription rates - National Executive Committee

Congress endorses the subscriptions rates from 1 September 2012 set out in UCU419.

CARRIED

55 Subscription rate review - University of Aberdeen

Congress is concerned that subscription rates for UCU members are acting as a deterrent to recruitment of lower earners, temporary and fixed term staff. Congress instructs NEC to investigate alternative charging models that would reduce the burden on lower earners, such as increased rates for those on salaries over £40K, or introductory offers for those on lower pay. Congress instructs NEC to make recommendations within 6 months.

CARRIED

56 UCU resource in regions - London regional committee

Congress notes that UCU regions are locations for cross-sector campaigns including identification of issues requiring legal research and action.

Congress instructs regional offices and the UCU campaign team to identify explicit resource and time for regional organisers to build up visibility of regional meetings and progress regional campaigns.

CARRIED

57 Election of full time officials - Preston College

In order to ensure accountability to members Congress proposes that full time regional officials be elected instead of appointed as they are now. The general secretary is elected, however, when it comes to direct support of branches and members most work is performed by regional officials. Therefore, Congress feels the members should have a say in who is representing them at this level.

LOST

58 Legal services - College of North West London

Congress notes with concern that very few members obtain legal assistance at an Employment Tribunal.

Congress therefore instructs the NEC to:

provide legal services at least till the CMD (case management discussion) at employment tribunals on arguable cases involving discrimination and unfair dismissal and decides the question of further legal services following disclosures at ET
provide full legal services to at least 30 tribunal cases with reasonable prospect of success or arguable cases above
appoint two solicitors who can assist in providing such services in conjunction with regional offices working closely with branch reps and where necessary with agent solicitors
make the criteria for legal assistance objective and transparent
provide members with oral representation at NEC and give full reasons for denying such assistance following the NEC determination
release money to effect the above.

REMITTED

59 Support for part-time lecturers - Barnet College

Congress notes:

resolution FE 14 from FESC 2011
UCU's 'Survival' Guide
members' legal support criteria
recent legislation and case law

These should aid part-time lecturers

seeking a permanent contract after the 4-year qualification period.
seeking established MGL status
established 'fractional' MG Lecturers with systematic 'overtime' of more than 4 years.
who are discriminated against in favour of MGLs in terms of work offered or inferior conditions and/or opportunities
whose hours are summarily reduced in new academic years
with equal pay claims whose work is 'broadly similar' to MGLs.

Congress instructs NEC and the General Secretary to increase the level of support to applicants' legal claims (if necessary, in Employment Tribunals) and to launch this initiative with publicity to encourage claimants with strong cases to come forward so that personal and collective benefits can be gained.

CARRIED

For information: motion FE14, passed at FE sector conference 2011:

FE14 Fixed term contracts, fractionalisation and equal pay - Barnet College, Barnet and Hendon

Conference acknowledges UCU efforts in the 'Stamp Out Casualisation' campaign but notes the failure, by most colleges, to meet their obligations (under 'Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002' and equal pay legislation). This affects three main categories:

'sessional' hourly-paid lecturers seeking a permanent contract after the 4-year qualification period
'sessional' lecturers seeking established MGL status
established 'fractional' MG Lecturers with systematic 'overtime' of more than 4 years.

All of these do work 'broadly similar' to established staff.

Many Colleges have simply failed to address the situation at all. Some have introduced immoral and legally questionable 'zero-hours' contracts. Most simply stonewall until the employees leave in frustration.

Conference instructs FEC to:

re-launch an upgraded 'Stamp Out Casualisation' campaign
present proposals to the AoC for a national agreement on ordered progression to established posts for part-timers.

New paragraph, Affiliations (after report paragraph 1.5)

60 FairPensions - National Executive Committee

Congress welcomes the work of FairPensions in pressuring pension funds, including USS, to adopt policies of responsible investment and to promote a living wage among the companies in which they invest their members' funds.

Congress agrees that UCU should become a Member Organisation of Fairpensions and pay the appropriate affiliation fee.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

60A.1 National Executive Committee

Second paragraph, delete 'become a member organisation of'; replace with 'affiliate to'.

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

Congress agrees that UCU should affiliate to Fairpensions and pay the appropriate affiliation fee.

New section, Internal organisation (after report paragraph 1.5)

61 Biennial Congress - Newcastle College

Congress believes that UCU should hold Congress biennially as opposed to every year. The money saved should be diverted into supporting members, for example to help with legal costs, for employment tribunals.

This may seem like a drastic step but democracy need not suffer. Consultative ballots can be used and branches could be further consulted on pressing issues via the regional offices. We do not all have to be in the same room to be involved in the decision making process.

WITHDRAWN

62 Composite: Democracy within UCU - City and Islington College Camden Road, Leeds Metropolitan University

Congress notes:

UCU's NEC consists of lay members representing all sections of UCU's diverse membership.
UCU's branch/regional officers are lay members with minimal facility time in most cases.

Congress believes:

UCU's branch/LA and regional structures are the sound democratic foundation of the union.
Annual Congress and annual sector conferences are indispensable sovereign decision making forums.
Regional committees play a crucial role in ensuring experiences are generalised, members' attitudes gauged, and branches mobilised to support the UCU's policies and resist the austerity agenda
Surveys may be useful campaigning and mobilising tools but are no substitute for active debate at branch, regional and national level when deciding matters of strategy.

Congress resolves to:

prioritise training and support aimed at ensuring branches can function in ways that allow maximum participation of members
actively encourage all branches/LAs to send delegates to their regional committees and affiliate to local trades union councils.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

62A.1 University of Brighton Grand Parade

Add new point (iii) after 'Congress resolves to:'

iii. elect from delegates at Congress 2012 a Commission on Union Democracy, to report to Congress 2013. The Commission shall consist of 5 FE and 5 HE representatives, elected from within each sector. It shall consult widely with Branches, Regions and other constitutional committees, such as the Equality Committee, and consider, among other matters, the composition and size of the NEC. The Commission shall elect one of its members to act as its Chair.

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

Congress notes:

UCU's NEC consists of lay members representing all sections of UCU's diverse membership.
UCU's branch/regional officers are lay members with minimal facility time in most cases.

Congress believes:

UCU's branch/LA and regional structures are the sound democratic foundation of the union.
Annual Congress and annual sector conferences are indispensable sovereign decision making forums.
Regional committees play a crucial role in ensuring experiences are generalised, members' attitudes gauged, and branches mobilised to support the UCU's policies and resist the austerity agenda
Surveys may be useful campaigning and mobilising tools but are no substitute for active debate at branch, regional and national level when deciding matters of strategy.

Congress resolves to:

prioritise training and support aimed at ensuring branches can function in ways that allow maximum participation of members
actively encourage all branches/LAs to send delegates to their regional committees and affiliate to local trades union councils
elect from delegates at Congress 2012 a Commission on Union Democracy, to report to Congress 2013. The Commission shall consist of 5 FE and 5 HE representatives, elected from within each sector. It shall consult widely with Branches, Regions and other constitutional committees, such as the Equality Committee, and consider, among other matters, the composition and size of the NEC. The Commission shall elect one of its members to act as its Chair.

63 Consultative ballots - University of Hertfordshire

Congress believes that recent consultative ballots have effectively stifled activism under the false flag of encouraging participatory democracy. In return for their subscriptions, members of UCU rightly expect the leadership of the union to adopt the most effective viable strategy to protect members' pay, pensions, job security, and conditions of service. Passively canvassing members to discover which options currently have most support inevitably encourages timidity and inertia, and ultimately disempowers members. The process of consultation itself should be designed to persuade members to support the most effective strategy.

Congress

reasserts the vital role of branches and regions as the main mechanism for consulting and motivating members
resolves that the use, timing and content of consultative ballots by the GS should be in consultation with the NEC
resolves that when consultative ballots are used there should be adequate time for discussion in branches and regions.

CARRIED

L5 Composite: Union democracy and use of membership surveys - University of Brighton Falmer, University of Brighton Grand Parade

Congress notes the:

overwhelming vote for motion 50 on union democracy at Congress 2011, warning against misuse of membership surveys to subvert democratic processes
surveys' value to assess support for action prior to industrial action ballots, subject to provision of necessary information, and unambiguous recommendation from Committees and national negotiators
recent survey of USS members on suspension of action PRIOR to discussion at either HEC, branches, regions or HESC
use of a survey on GS proposals for constitutional reform PRIOR to discussion at the NEC, branches, regions or Congress.

Congress believes these initiatives incompatible with the letter and spirit of motion 50 (2011).

Congress resolves

national officers, officials, and the NEC, will abide by Congress decisions, and the constitution
membership surveys will only be used SUBSEQUENT TO debate and decision by Congress, Sector Conference or the NEC, and as sanctioned by NEC.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

L5A.1 Compositing amendment - University of Brighton Grand Parade

Add at end of motion: 'Congress recommends delegates set aside existing survey results.'

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

Congress notes the:

overwhelming vote for motion 50 on union democracy at Congress 2011, warning against misuse of membership surveys to subvert democratic processes
surveys' value to assess support for action prior to industrial action ballots, subject to provision of necessary information, and unambiguous recommendation from Committees and national negotiators
recent survey of USS members on suspension of action PRIOR to discussion at either HEC, branches, regions or HESC
use of a survey on GS proposals for constitutional reform PRIOR to discussion at the NEC, branches, regions or Congress.

Congress believes these initiatives incompatible with the letter and spirit of motion 50 (2011).

Congress resolves

national officers, officials, and the NEC, will abide by Congress decisions, and the constitution
membership surveys will only be used SUBSEQUENT TO debate and decision by Congress, Sector Conference or the NEC, and as sanctioned by NEC.

Congress recommends delegates set aside existing survey results.

64 UCU Policy - University of Manchester

Congress is fully committed to protecting and developing the central role played by Congress and sector conferences in formulating UCU policy, and acting as the ultimate arbiter in policy formulation and its implementation, not least since Congress and these conferences are composed primarily of delegates democratically elected by the branches.

Congress therefore notes with considerable concern the General Secretary's organisation of a lightning membership vote in March 2012 regarding important NEC restructuring and related issues, rather than firstly her putting the issue to Congress and/or the NEC and arguing her case, and secondly promoting the fullest possible debate amongst activists and the membership about these important proposed changes to the union.

CARRIED

65 Changes to UCU structure - University of Southampton

Congress notes that in the increasingly difficult times facing the post-16 education sector we need an effective union structure and processes which represent the views of our members and respond to their needs. The General Secretary has proposed to:

reduce the size of the National Executive Committee to a maximum of 40 and use the savings to improve services for members and branches.
give members a right to be directly consulted on a final offer from employers before the union decides whether to accept it or reject and escalate action.
allow members to elect lay national negotiator posts

Congress supports these proposals.

LOST

65A.1 University of Essex

Replace 'The General Secretary' in 'The General Secretary has proposed to' with:

'Congress congratulates the General Secretary candidates on their campaigns, and the General Secretary on her re-election, and notes that she'

Replace final sentence with:

'Congress recognises the value of direct membership consultation and acknowledges that specific circumstances required these proposals to be put to an immediate consultative ballot. Congress does not believe the democratic role of other decision making bodies in our union are thereby undermined.

Congress notes the overwhelming membership endorsement of these proposals and supports them.'

LOST

Motion 65 - CBC advice to chair:

If 65 clause numbered 1 is passed, 67A.1 is passed by implication.

If 65 clause numbered 1 is lost, 67A.1 falls.

If 65 clause numbered 2 is lost, rule change motion 75 falls.

If 65 clause numbered 3 is passed, 66 clause numbered c falls

If 65 clause numbered 3 is lost, rule change motion 74 falls.

66 Constitutional reforms University of Brighton, Grand Parade

Congress notes that:

UCU constitution secured balanced NEC representation for sectors, hourly-paid staff, women, ethnic minority and disabled members, regions and devolved nations;
geographical constituencies ensured both NEC representatives' accountability to their multi-regions, and pre and post-92 university representation;
election of national negotiators by sector conferences ensures accountability to the bodies determining national negotiating objectives, and, in HE, are drawn from pre and post-92 institutions to reflect differences in conditions of service.

Congress resolves that:

NEC will abide by all of these principles of equality in any future proposals to reform its size or composition;
HEC or FEC (or NEC where appropriate), in consultation with national negotiators, will determine when any offer from the employers or the Government is 'final' and to be put to a members' ballot.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

66A.1 Composite: Disabled members standing committee and LGBT members standing committee

In point 1 insert after 'women', 'members on casualised contracts, LGBT members' Delete 'ethnic minority' and insert 'Black members'.

In point a) delete 'abide by' and insert 'uphold and enhance'.

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTIONS

Congress notes that:

UCU constitution secured balanced NEC representation for sectors, hourly-paid staff, women, members on casualised contracts, LGBT members, black member and disabled members, regions and devolved nations;
geographical constituencies ensured both NEC representatives' accountability to their multi-regions, and pre and post-92 university representation;
election of national negotiators by sector conferences ensures accountability to the bodies determining national negotiating objectives, and, in HE, are drawn from pre and post-92 institutions to reflect differences in conditions of service.

Congress resolves that:

NEC will uphold and enhance by all of these principles of equality in any future proposals to reform its size or composition;
HEC or FEC (or NEC where appropriate), in consultation with national negotiators, will determine when any offer from the employers or the Government is 'final' and to be put to a members' ballot.

67 Composite: Towards a smaller NEC - Swansea University, Aberystwyth University, Hull College

Congress notes the result of the consultative ballot on the general secretary's manifesto commitments and instructs the National Executive Committee (NEC), working with the general secretary, to urgently draw up detailed plans for reducing the NEC from 72 to c.40 members, and for the savings made to improve services for members and branches

Congress further instructs the NEC and General Secretary to consult at regional and local level at all stages, to discuss proposals at the NEC and to carry out a final consultative ballot before putting the final plan to Congress for decision in 2013.

LOST

67A.1 Compositing amendment Hull College

First sentence, delete 'c.40', replace with 'a maximum of 40'.

FALLS

67A.2 Composite: LGBT members standing committee, Women members' standing committee

Insert 'and with equality members standing committees' in the second paragraph after 'at all stages.'

Add at the end:

The consultation shall be carried out recognising the importance of securing strong equality structures in a reformed NEC and any reformed NEC will contain strong equality structures.

This consultation and any reformed structures will recognise the vital contribution that reserved equality seats, the equality standing committees and the annual conferences of the self-organising groups have made to UCU.

CARRIED

67A.3 Open University

Add at the end:

Congress urges the NEC, in drawing up detailed proposals for a smaller NEC, to have regard to the need for the NEC to continue to reflect the diversity of the membership of the union especially in terms of equality groups and specialist employment related groups.

LOST

68 Representation and constituencies in decision making - Teesside University

Congress urges that the principles of representation and the identification of constituencies which are needed for effective union democracy should precede any decision on the maximum size of the NEC, the equalities standing committees, and the special employment standing committees.

CARRIED AS AMENDED

68A.1 Anti-casualisation committee

Add at end:

Congress recognises the value of the work done by the national equality standing committees and Specialist Committees, and resolves that they should continue in their role with the representation and involvement of the relevant members being at least as good and comprehensive as it is now.

CARRIED

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION

69 The continuation of UCU structures for members on casualised contracts - Anti-casualisation committee

Congress notes that the work of the anti-casualisation committee has been critical in raising the profile of those UCU members who are in the weakest employment position. Congress deplores the extent of casualisation in the sector and the associated low pay and insecurity, and reaffirms the need for separate anti-casualisation structures to ensure that targeted campaigning and organising of workers on casualised contracts in FE and HE is carried out and that anti-casualisation issues continue to be raised.

Congress calls for:

the maintenance of a specific and separate anti-casualisation committee and of the annual meeting of members on casualised contracts
the anti-casualisation committee to maintain its current size and composition, so that the committee can continue to represent members on many different kinds of casualised contract
the maintenance of directly elected representatives of members on casualised contracts on the NEC.

CARRIED

B33 Emergency motion

In the light of the Congress decision to establish a commission, on the size of the NEC and its constituencies, the election mechanism will be:

all Congress will be entitled to stand to stand and candidates determined by self-determination
candidates will be invited to submit a 200 word statement on their qualification for the role
statements will circulated electronically to Congress delegates
the election will be conducted electronically and the voting period will close on Friday 13 July.

CARRIED

Last updated: 14 March 2019

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