Branch Delegate Meeting, 24th September 2024 – Branch Survey and UK-wide results

  1. What is the position of your branch on the pay element of the offer? This refers to the 2.5% staggered uplift. 

    Bath UCU: Accept 40%, Reject 48%, Abstain 2%
    BDM: Accept 29%, Reject 66%, Abstain 5%

  1. What is the position of your branch on the pay-related elements of the offer, as set out the Appendix? This refers to the Terms of References for negotiations over casualisation, equality pay gaps, workload, and pay spine reform.

    Bath UCU:
    Accept 49%, Reject 24%, Abstain 27%
    BDM: Accept 58%, Reject 29%, Abstain 14%
  1. What is the position of your branch on the final offer set out by UCEA? This refers to the full offer set out in the Appendix.

    Bath UCU:
    Accept 36%, Reject 53%, Abstain 11%
    BDM: Accept 28%, Reject 62%, Abstain 10%
  2. Would your branch be willing to take industrial action in pursuit of an improved offer.Bath UCU: Accept 44%, Reject 40%, Abstain 16%
    BDM: Accept 45%, Reject 46%, Abstain 9%
  1. Does your branch support UCU continuing to lobby the government for additional funding for higher education?

    Bath UCU:
    Accept 98%, Reject 0%, Abstain 2%
    BDM: Accept 100%, Reject 0%, Abstain 0%
  1. Would your branch be in favour of UCU undertaking a consultative ballot over this offer? This would ask whether or not members would be willing to take industrial action to improve this offer. 

    Bath UCU: Accept 69%, Reject 22%, Abstain 9%
    BDM: Accept 83% , Reject 10%, Abstain 7%

  2. Would your branch be in favour of UCU undertaking an industrial action ballot over this offer? This would ask whether or not members would be willing to take industrial action to improve this offer. 

    Bath UCU: Accept 62%, Reject 33%, Abstain 4%
    BDM: Accept 76%, Reject 15%, Abstain 10%

How can I claim financial support during strike action?

Members taking strike action can access financial support through two routes, one national and the other local.

The UCU National Fighting Fund

The UCU National Fighting Fund is available to all members, and can ensure you recover 100% to 48% of lost income through strike for the dates it covers, depending on your salary and how long you take strike action. Members earning less than £30,000 gross per annum can claim £75 per day for the second and any subsequent days of strike action. For members earning £30,000 gross or more per annum, the daily rate is £50.

Note, however, that you can claim up to a maximum of 11 days from the fighting fund during each dispute; this means that if you took part in the three days of strike action in November/December, and have already claimed from the fighting fund for the available two days, you will only be able to claim a further nine days during this current stage of the dispute.

The national claim is simple and straightforward to make, with all the information you need located HERE. For speed of return it is recommended you claim as soon as possible as large amounts will be claiming.

The Bath UCU Local Hardship Fund 

Bath UCU also runs a local hardship fund, for those in need. Claims to the hardship fund can only be made after claims to the fighting fund have been made. At present, where a fighting fund claim has been paid out, members on a salary of £45,000 or less can apply to the local hardshipfund to cover the rest of their lost wages. Members who earn above this figure, and have claimed from the fighting fund, can also claim, and will see a proportion of their lost wages recovered; however, such members in particularly difficult circumstances who would not normally have their full deductions covered, can also check a box, indicating said need, and it will be covered no questions asked.

Keeping in mind the length of the action called and the limit set to the national fighting fund for claims (which UCU says will be kept under review), the hardship fund’s capacity to provide greater support will also be kept under review.

Claims to the local hardship fund, where needed, are also simple to make. An app for claiming from the fund has been developed by our Branch Treasurer Tim Barrett. To use it you will require your PDF payslip – either the one emailed to you or downloaded from iTrent will work. The link is HERE. The app will only work for substantive contracts – if you lost hourly paid hours then please email Tim and he will supply the procedure for claiming.

How can I donate to the Bath UCU Local Hardship Fund?

For any members whose personal circumstances mean they feel unable to take action, or who are simply financially able to offer support, donations to the local hardship fund can be made using a BACS transfer with the following details:

  • Account Name: UCU Bath LA5
  • Sort Code: 60-83-01
  • Account No.: 20057787
  • Payee Reference: Hardship Fund