Joint UCU SMT/Unite statement: 18 June 2024

Prior to yesterday's meeting, UCU management had tabled formal proposals on 10 June.  Unite responded to these proposals on 12 June.

At yesterday's meeting, further proposals were made by UCU management which Unite negotiators are considering further. These include a commitment to identify an independent expert to undertake an assessment of organisational culture, alongside the ongoing Acas process. UCU management have proposed to identify an individual to undertake that work.

UCU management also reiterated its commitment to cooperate with any process intended to address issues related to the recognition agreement, including any process agreed under the TUC disputes procedure.

Unite have agreed to participate in an upcoming meeting to establish the terms of reference for the review of concerns about racism. Unite have also agreed to suspend strike action planned for Wednesday 26 June and to consider suspension of further action pending the outcome of further discussion.

Both parties have agreed to continue to engage services of Acas and keep lines of communication open. The priority of both parties is to avoid industrial action, restore good working relations and build trust. It is agreed that neither side will issue any further communications regarding the dispute before the next Acas facilitated meeting on Wednesday 26 June.