The University of Liverpool UCU branch would like to give a big ‘thank-you’ to all of the UCU branches that have sent in messages of support during our fight with the University. Most will know by now that the management at Liverpool have announced their intention to dismiss and re-hire 2,803 ‘non-academic’ staff to force new contracts. These contracts would mean that staff could be required to work week-ends and University closure days across the the year with single time TOIL for bank-holidays only

The branch has voted to ballot for industrial action at two packed mass meetings. Our fight has been declared a local dispute of national importance by the UCU.

We held a very successful rally last Tuesday that can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIE0_OSGb4Q

A letter initiated by the branch has also been published in the THE signed by 600 professors condemning the University’s actions.

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.aspx?storyCode=2005370

Almost 3,500 people have signed our petition: https://www.ucu.org.uk/liverpool_dismissalpetition

More can be found on our blog: http://draigweb.co.uk/uculiverpool/

And at Twitter@ULivUCU2

As things stand, we are headed for industrial action in the Autumn.

Thanks to everyone for their support so far. I think we all know: ‘non-academics today, academics tomorrow; and ‘Liverpool today … etc.

Mark O’Brien,

University of Liverpool UCU