The Friday email: 25 November 2022

UCU Rising: strike details and 30 November rally

UCU members across the UK have delivered the biggest picket lines that higher education has ever seen. We generated unprecedented media coverage. We united every picket across the UK. We dominated social media. We stood united against vindictive threats from employers of punitive deductions. But it doesn't end there - our employers need to know that we are just getting started.

Members from across the UK are coming to London for the national rally on Wednesday 30 November at 13:00 and writing to their local MPs to put pressure on university management.

Respect FE: fighting back and winning for college staff

UCU's Respect FE campaign continues to see improved offers on pay, workload and conditions in many participating colleges. Members at Chichester College Group were due to begin further strike action this week, but this was suspended to allow consultation on an improved offer from the employer. Regional official Michael Moran said 'The improved offer is testament to the resolve of a determined membership unwilling to take further real terms pay cuts. Make no mistake action will continue if the further talks do not bring results.'

Sign our five point charter calling for professional respect in further education here.

St Andrew's Day anti-racism march and rally, Saturday 26 November

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) have announced details of the annual St Andrew's Day anti-racism march and rally, to take place on Saturday 26 November 2022. Assemble at 10.30am on Glasgow Green, marching off at 11.00am, with the rally at 12.00 noon at the Renfield Centre in Bath Street, Glasgow.

UCU 'teach out' sessions

We are running a number of 'teach out' sessions during the upcoming HE industrial action in November. These short 90-minute online interactive workshops are part of UCU's continued professional development programme and open to all UCU members:

• Introduction to sustainability, Wednesday 30 November 10.30am - 12.00 noon
• Embedding climate education in the curriculum, Wednesday 30 November 2.00pm - 3.30pm

Further education workforce research 

UCU has contributed to government research on the further education workforce and recruitment and retention of teachers in the FE sector. In our evidence, we referred the researchers to UCU's workload survey report 2021 and the UCU cost of living survey report, 'On the Breadline'. Our survey found that on average, FE teachers work nearly two additional days per week in addition to their contractual hours; the cost of living research shows an FE sector in crisis, plagued by poor pay and working conditions, including job insecurity. UCU will continue working to raise the profile of the FE sector in government. For more information contact Rhianwen Roberts, UCU policy officer.

In solidarity

Simon Foster
UCU head of campaigns