[Passed at a quorate EGM: 30.05.25]
Brunel UCU notes:
· On 15.05.2025, all staff at Brunel University London received an email from the VC announcing a “review of staffing levels”, i.e. plans for further redundancies, in academic and professional services areas that were not part of the recent academic resizing and TOM programmes.
· So far, in response to Brunel’s decision to put more than a third of staff at risk of compulsory redundancy, a total of 465 staff members have already left Brunel this academic year.
Brunel UCU believes:
· The mass-redundancies so far have already had a detrimental impact on the Health and Safety of remaining Brunel staff and the student experience. Further redundancies will compound these issues and increase the threat to the viability of the University.
· The lack of detailed financial data and forecasts, accurate data with respect to student and staff numbers, or meaningful consideration of what the plans mean for the running of the organisation and ability to achieve its vision and strategy, suggests a flawed knee-jerk response
· There has so far been insufficient exploration and willingness to consider options beyond redundancies by the University.
Brunel UCU demands:
· A commitment from the University to agree Union representation at all stages and seek agreement with the Unions to any changes in working conditions.
· A commitment from the University to avoid compulsory redundancies, and that if cost savings are necessary, that the University prioritises non-pay cost savings prior to redundancies.
· A commitment from the University to be open, transparent, and honest in their communications with the Unions, and to provide all relevant and requested data within reasonable timeframes (within 2-3 working days).
· A continued commitment from the University to ensure adequate facility time for the Unions
Brunel UCU resolves:
· Unless Brunel University withdraws the threat of compulsory redundancies, this branch instructs the branch committee to move forward to a formal dispute and to prepare for further industrial action from August onwards, which includes an indicative and statutory ballot for one or more of the following: strike action, ASOS, marking boycott.