What do we do?

Representation - protection at work in case things go wrong.

UCU can offer representation and advice if you are facing disciplinary or grievance hearings, probation hearings, termination of contract, health and safety problems, bullying or harassment and any issues relating to your terms and conditions of employment. Contact the branch officers in the first instance.

Negotiation - locally and nationally on pay and working conditions.

At Birkbeck, relations between UCU and management are governed by a Procedural Agreement which places obligations on both sides.  It states that changes to ‘customary and contractual’ conditions of employment may only be introduced by mutual agreement.
 You can see a copy of the procedural agreement here.

Any changes to policies affecting staff are formally agreed at the Joint Staff Committee, before being presented to Governors for approval.  The JC is also the forum for settling any disagreements.  The JC is chaired alternately by the Master and by the unions and each meeting is in two parts, one for all Birkbeck unions together; the other for matters specifically concerning academic and related staffs. 

Nationally, UCU negotiates with the employers' representatives on issues such as pay, pensions, and conditions.

UCU locally has been involved in Birkbeck's Framework Negotiations.  This has seen the implementation of a single pay spine, a job evaluation procedure, an appeals procedure, a contribution-related pay policy and harmonisation of policies on TOIL, overtime, sick absence, notice period etc.  See http://www.bbk.ac.uk/jobevaluation for full details.  The negotiations are ongoing for Sessional Lecturers, see the campaigns section for full details.

Information - find out what is going on at Birkbeck and across the sector.

We aim to keep you fully informed via our newsletters, web site and open meetings.

You can find information about some current issues and campaigns here.

Note: UCU Representatives are all volunteers.  We take on union duties in addition to our 'day jobs' because we believe the work is important - to the benefit of Birkbeck as an institution, its staff and students, and to the health of society generally.  We do our best to respond in a timely manner but you may not be able to see someone instantly.  The union will only be as good as you help to make it, so we invite you to get involved now.

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