The UCU Left is a national organisation of University and College Union activists. 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.
UCU Left Statement on the JNCHES Ballot Result
In an impressive 27% turnout for a ballot on a procedural issue, over 60% of UCU members balloted voted to reject the employers' proposals for new national negotiating machinery. The proposed agreement attempted to tie the union to a dispute resolution procedure and a timetable preventing effective industrial action during the crucial May/June examination period. It was coupled by the employers to a threat of withdrawal from National Bargaining.

At a number of union organised meetings held around the country, members were clear that it was necessary to defend National Bargaining but that this could only be done from a position of strength.

The Higher Education Committee of the NEC called on the employers to come back to the negotiating table to resolve outstanding differences. The Committee also called for a briefing for branch officers that will meet in time to inform the Higher Education sector Conference at Congress in May. In the event that the employers refuse to reopen negotiations, the union may call a dispute. The fact that the union could have the initiative regarding an industrial dispute needs to be considered by union activists.

The misapprehension by some officials of other unions that this rejection of the JNCHES (Joint National Committee for Higher Education Staffs) deal amounts to a rejection of national bargaining and joint bargaining with other unions could not be further from the truth. It is in everyone’s interests that the strongest union in the sector, representing the most members, should retain one of its strongest bargaining counters. The preservation of national bargaining is in everyone’s interests and the UCU JNCHES vote puts us in the strongest position to defend it.

Related Material

UCU Left - HE Special Conference Report (here)

UCU Left - HE Special Conference Leaflet (PDF)

HE Special Conference - Final Agenda and Motions (PDF)

Discussion document on National Bargainning - Jan 07 (here)


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