It is committed to ensuring that the new union has a democratic structure through which members can determine policy, and elected officers and professional officials can be held accountable. It seeks to defend educational equality, and to oppose the consequences of neo-liberal marketisation. It is opposed to all forms of racism, sexism, oppression and imperialism.
Lynne Chamberlain (Greenwich College)
Defence of Education
I helped lead the campaign against the closure of RNIB Redhill College - college for students with visual impairment (more details here). We lost the fight to big business and the fat cats but I will continue to fight to end this type of educational slaughter where students with disabilities are shoved aside in the name of profit and talented and enthusiastic lecturers are thrown on the scrap heap.
Fair Pay for Lecturers
Over the last few years I have been active in the campaign for Fair Pay for Lecturers. I believe that we deserve a pay rise and NOT a pay cut which the latest offer, of course, is. We should return to pay parity with teachers (yes - does anyone remember that?) and I also firmly believe that we should campaign alongside colleagues in the NUT as well as other public sector workers wherever possible. Joint action with other unions will strengthen our case and increase UCU morale and membership.
Accountability
My experience, particularly over the last year, is that members have been encouraged by the campaign initiated by the current FEC for fair pay for lecturers. I have strived to put the motions, proposals and suggestions for better pay into action by keeping in touch with as many branches as possible - updating and informing them of relevant news and ideas for lecturers.
Committed Activist
You should vote for me because I am a committed activist with a track record of supporting colleagues locally and nationally. I have successfully represented UCU branch members who have been harassed and unfairly treated by bullying managers. I am currently assisting a member who is claiming racial discrimination.
Experience
I have organised successful strike action and supported other colleges in their campaigns against redundancies, bad contracts and departmental closures. I have visited other colleges to lend support and encouragement to fight for better pay and conditions whether it's on the picket line or elsewhere.
If re-elected I will continue to campaign:
- Against bullying and stress that many of our members face.
- Against course and college closures particularly ESOL.
- For seriously improved pay and conditions.
- Against the war in Iraq and the warmongers plans for Iran - put the wasted money into education, health and public services.
I am a UCU Left activist having served on the NEC for three years representing South East and RNIB Redhill College Branch.
UCU involvement at national and branch level:
- UCU/NATFHE member since 1987
- Branch Secretary since 1997
- Chair of Southern Area Liaison Committee 2002 - 2005
- Treasurer SALC 2002 to date
- SE Region TUC Delegate 2005 and 2006
- ANC Delegate 1997-2007
- NEC 2004-2005
- NEC 2006 to date representing SE Region
- FEC Vice Chair 2007 to date
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