The university executive leadership has proposed a sweeping plan for redundancies on the basis of data that is incomplete (for example its data point for its business case was before the November 1st deadline for counting the full enrolment of students, leading to a undercount of approximately 300); on the basis of erroneous data (for example on SSRs) and on data that lacks transparency (for example the surplus of £57.5 million according to last year’s financial accounts and the lack of full information about the terms of the university’s ‘banking covenant’ cited in its business case).
Brunel UCU views the plans to put 214 staff at risk of redundancy (135 academic staff and 79 professional and administrative staff) as nothing less than a dismantling of the university. Senior management have launched an attack on the Brunel community of staff (academic and professional) and students that is unprecedented, massively damaging the ‘human’ capital’ that makes the university a success, and potentially threatening the long-term viability of the institution.
At a recent EGM, 90% of members supported a demand for a commitment to no compulsory redundancies. Brunel University has failed to provide this commitment.
Given Brunel University’s failure to agree to our demand of committing to avoid compulsory redundancies, this branch has instructed the branch committee to move forward to a formal dispute and to prepare for industrial action unless the threat of compulsory redundancies is withdrawn.
With the above points in mind, UCU is launching an indicative ballot on taking industrial action at Brunel.
We require a mandate from the branch in the shape of a good turn-out and a clear majority in favour of continuing our preparation for industrial action in order to proceed with a formal statutory ballot. A successful result paves the way for an industrial action ballot and industrial action (strike and/or ASOS (including potentially a marking and assessment boycott)) if the university management refuses to rule out compulsory redundancies.
We encourage you to vote in the indicative ballot and to vote in favour of continuing to prepare for industrial action to maximise our leverage during negotiations – we need a good turnout and a strong mandate to send a clear message: do not dismantle our University, and don’t place buildings over staff!
Please check your inboxes for the voting link. This indicative ballot will close at: 12:00 Monday 9th December 2024