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