Carol Cody (City of Liverpool College)

Election address

In my time as a union rep at Regional level, I have seen the steady corrosion of terms and conditions, matched by an increase in workload and cut after cut in funding to the sector, as well as a sustained reduction in pay and although the recent ballot over pay failed to reach the punishing 50% turn out as required by punitive TU laws, the overall majority vote was in favour of strike action, clearly demonstrating the desire to fight back against years of deteriorating conditions at both FE and HE.

Coupled with the uncertainty of Brexit, the hostile environment for migrants, and increasing casualisation with zero hour contracts, issues that have all impacted on the sector, these are uncertain times we live in, leaving members vulnerable to a gamut of issues affecting their health and mental wellbeing.

Disparity in pay within the sector, gender pay differences, inequalities with race and disability are all issues that stem from the rot that is at the core of this government's ideological assault on public services, including the FE Sector.

Unfortunately, these are issues that disproportionately affect women, women who are carers, women who look after families, women who are on part time and casualised contracts; they create poverty and are responsible for higher rates of mental health issues in women too.

The continued dismantling of conditions in FE is something that we all need to battle against, but it takes place within a wider context in which women's and minority rights are still an arena for struggle: sexual harassment, hate crimes against the disabled, trans rights, abortion etc.

These are all issues that I have been involved in fighting, together with other Regional activists, we have come together to ensure that these issues remain paramount at national level.

As an NEC member for FE in the North West I will guarantee that these issues continue have a voice at National level and I will work to ensure that voice remains heard.

Biographical information including service to the union

I currently teach English at City of Liverpool College having worked there for the past ten years.

I am at present Committee Secretary, a role I have inhabited for the last four years. I am also UCU North-West Women's Equality Rep, and I have a seat on the Women's Standing Committee. I have been active at both Regional and National level with activist fighting for equality issues and against the victimization of Union reps. I  am currently a member of UCU CBC.

Carol Cody UCU Liaison Secretary CoLC

NW UCU Women's Equality Officer

City of Liverpool College