There have been at least six important developments since the Joint Expert Panel released its report. These include:

1. UUK have consulted employers on JEP recommendations. We understand that the University of London supports JEP recommendations for resolving 2017 valuation (maintaining DB benefit levels with a small contribution increase).

2. Evidence by credible figures within UCU that the 2017 valuation can be resolved without any detrimental changes to benefits or contributions.

Read: “USS valuation rests on a large and demonstrable mistake“, Michael Otsuka

3. The new UCU USS National Dispute Committee (NDC, for short), established following discussion and voting by UCU members (including delegates from this branch!) at the May’s Congress and June’s special HE sector conference met for the first time. A report from their first meeting has been published by UCU and will be considered by UCU’s Superannuation Working Group, and it’s well worth a read.

According to one of our long-standing branch members, the NDC’s report is “hard hitting and to the point…calling for an apology and reimbursement of lost earnings on the basis that the dispute need never have happened“.

4. USS has now indicated, subject to being satisfied with the position reached by the employers, that it would be prepared to hold a fresh valuation which would enable the scheme to take account of JEP and its aftermath.

5. The next step for UCU is that the Higher Education Committee (HEC) will this week consider the latest position including the reports of Superannuation Working Group and the National Disputes Committee (NDC) which is the body that advises the SWG.

6. A delegate conference on USS will then take place on 7 November. A representative from the Senate House branch and will consider and vote on finalised motions. Unfortunately, the draft motions are not available at the moment but we will consult members (before 7 Noc) if input around the next stages of the dispute is required.

Conclusions for today

1. USS dispute is not over and, that even following the publication of JEP, there are a number of important considerations to be taken before UCU determines its negotiating position.

2. We have come a very long way in 12 months. Last November, UUK proposed to close USS defined benefit scheme – this is not on the table now. This is significant progress for UCU and is evidence union-coordinated resistance to change works.

As ever, please get in touch with the branch committee with questions and comments.

WHERE AND WHEN

Wednesday 19 September, 12.30pm in the Court Room, Senate House

AGENDA

1. Results from all-staff questionnaire
2. Joint Expert Panel: summary of findings and discussion
3. Pay ballot: questions and discussion
4. Nominating representatives
   • 1 Day Special Congress on 18 October
   • HE Sector conference on pay/USS on 7 November
5. Planning for November’s AGM

LAUNCHING NOW: a survey for members and prospective members

We would like to encourage all University of London staff to complete our short questionnaire.

Fill out the paper copy we’re circulating at desks or complete the survey online. Please just fill it out once.

Paper copies can be returned to us in these ways:

• Hand it to a branch rep
• Drop off at union office Senate House (SB25). We are there Mondays 12.30pm – 1.30pm directions: london.ac.uk/2018/07/27/monday-lunchtimes but you can pop completed forms under the door at any time.
• Come by UCU stand in Deller Hall; Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 12th September 12.00pm – 1.00pm
• Stick in an envelope and put in internal post (Room: SB25, addressed to UCU)

The survey will close on Friday 14 September.

Results will be shared with UCU members at the next branch meeting: Wednesday 19 September at 12.30pm in the Court Room, Senate House

There can be a fine line between behaviour by a manager that is encouraged to help us do a good job and behaviour that is deliberately confrontational and aggressive.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can start identifying the difference, take a look at this questionnaire which gives you some points to consider.

It comes from UCU’s guide to challenging bullying and harassment at work (UCU), which is definitely also worth a read.

If you find yourself ticking lots of boxes on this questionnaire, then please do get in touch.

At a recent training course, we learnt about Educational Support Partnership (ESP). They provide a free helpline which is available to UCU members.

In their words,

“We have been in education for over 140 years and our specialist team of counsellors and information experts are fully trained to deal with a wide range of personal and professional issues affecting your staff. It provides:

• confidential emotional support and counselling available 24 hours a day, 365 days a week
• up to six sessions of face-to-face or telephone counselling
• access to online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• management consultation to support those responsible for managing others
• specialist information on work-life balance
• financial and legal information
• information on local services such as elder care and childcare”

For more information about Education Support Partnership, visit their website: https://www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk/

FREE HELPLINE: 08000 562 561

In late August into early September, UCU members are due to receive a ballot paper through the post inviting formal acceptance or rejection on the final employer pay offer of 2% for 2018.

To make sure you receive your ballot paper, log into your UCU profile online to check that UCU has your correct address: https://www.ucu.org.uk/ucumembership

 

Each Monday lunchtime we run a drop-in clinic for UCU members and prospective members wanting to discuss workplace issues or find out what the branch is up to.

Where: SB25 (aka the dungeon), lower ground floor of Senate House, nearby the main lifts

When: Mondays, 12.30 – 1.30pm

Here’s a list of dates and locations for upcoming branch meetings in Senate House:

September 19th, 12.30pm – Court Room

October 16th, 12.30pm – Court Room

 

The pensions strike in spring 2018 generated urgent questions about how members can influence union strategy during disputes and, more broadly, what democratic structures UCU should have.

If you would like to represent your branch in these debates, take a look at the following opportunity.

UCU Democracy Commission 

Following motions passed at Congress 2018 (motions B19 and L9), the national executive committee (NEC) has agreed arrangements for the election of the membership of the commission.

The details and timetable for the election are available by clicking here.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is 10 August at 5pm.