New package of support for Queen Mary University of London UCU members

This is an urgent message to announce a new package of support available to UCU members engaged in the marking and assessment boycott at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). 

During the course of the boycott it became clear that QMUL vice chancellor Colin Bailey and his senior management team were intent on punishing staff taking part in lawful industrial action. 

Our union is aware of over 100 UCU members who have now suffered devastating pay deductions, despite continuing to work and delivering the majority of their duties. These deductions are as high as 100% and have left scores of staff with as little as £0.00 in their July payslips. 

This is cruel and contemptible behaviour on the part of QMUL management and a deeply distressing position for staff to be put in in the midst of a cost of living crisis. 

As your general secretary, I have today [Wednesday 27 July 2022] made the decision, and received permission from our national officers, to sanction the opening up of the UCU national fighting fund to UCU members who have suffered a deduction of any kind at QMUL.  

I will not stand by whilst our members have their labour stolen and are pushed into financial hardship. 

If you have been impacted by a deduction at QMUL, please click here to begin your application to the fighting fund.  

I would also encourage anyone in need to discuss with your branch a claim from the local QMUL UCU hardship fund, which is in a position to help those with lost income too.  

For those who have not been impacted but would like to make a donation to our union's fighting fund, please click here. 

An injury to one is an injury to all. 

In solidarity 

Jo Grady
UCU general secretary