Maxine Looby
@mybool.bsky.social
UCU Immediate Past President
Educator | Trade Union Activist | Negotiator |
Join UCU today!
https://www.ucu.org.uk/join
Educator | Trade Union Activist | Negotiator |
Join UCU today!
https://www.ucu.org.uk/join
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Huge thanks to @ucu.org.uk for loaning us @drjogrady.bsky.social for our rally @uonucu.bsky.social
And FINALLY got my ballot papers! Post yours back!
And FINALLY got my ballot papers! Post yours back!
October 23, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Such a great point from Suzi!
Don’t assume colleagues have voted!
Every conversation counts.
Don’t assume colleagues have voted!
Every conversation counts.
Remind all your UCU colleagues about the ballot. Don't assume they've already done it. Every vote counts!
One more YES! Keep those votes pouring in 🗳️🗳️🗳️
October 27, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Such a great point from Suzi!
Don’t assume colleagues have voted!
Every conversation counts.
Don’t assume colleagues have voted!
Every conversation counts.
Reposted by Maxine Looby
The national ballot from @ucu.org.uk should be in your hands now. Be like @rullsenberg.bsky.social and make your voice heard! Let the union know how YOU want to push back on pay cuts and unnecessary redundancies.
#StopTheCuts #SaveHE
#StopTheCuts #SaveHE
October 27, 2025 at 3:34 PM
The national ballot from @ucu.org.uk should be in your hands now. Be like @rullsenberg.bsky.social and make your voice heard! Let the union know how YOU want to push back on pay cuts and unnecessary redundancies.
#StopTheCuts #SaveHE
#StopTheCuts #SaveHE
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Cuts equivalent to 15,000 jobs planned at UK universities – UCU www.timeshighereducation.com/news/cuts-eq...
Cuts equivalent to 15,000 jobs planned at UK universities – UCU
Proposed job losses almost triple since March as unions prepare to vote on nationwide industrial action
www.timeshighereducation.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Cuts equivalent to 15,000 jobs planned at UK universities – UCU www.timeshighereducation.com/news/cuts-eq...
Reposted by Maxine Looby
🚨 Ballots arrive today for UCU FE members! 🚨
VOTE YES ✅
For better pay, conditions and national bargaining to ensure no colleges are left behind 💪
VOTE YES ✅
For better pay, conditions and national bargaining to ensure no colleges are left behind 💪
October 14, 2025 at 1:12 PM
🚨 Ballots arrive today for UCU FE members! 🚨
VOTE YES ✅
For better pay, conditions and national bargaining to ensure no colleges are left behind 💪
VOTE YES ✅
For better pay, conditions and national bargaining to ensure no colleges are left behind 💪
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Huge win for staff today at Warrington and Vale Royal College!
💪 6.5% pay increase backdated to August
💪 Guaranteed pay increases of up to £1,000 a year
💪 Starting salary for all teachers £29,227
Read more 👇
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1421...
💪 6.5% pay increase backdated to August
💪 Guaranteed pay increases of up to £1,000 a year
💪 Starting salary for all teachers £29,227
Read more 👇
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1421...
Union pay and conditions victory at Warrington and Vale Royal College
The University and College Union today (Thursday 9 October) hailed improvements to staff pay and conditions at Warrington and Vale Royal College as a victory for its members.
www.ucu.org.uk
October 9, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Huge win for staff today at Warrington and Vale Royal College!
💪 6.5% pay increase backdated to August
💪 Guaranteed pay increases of up to £1,000 a year
💪 Starting salary for all teachers £29,227
Read more 👇
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1421...
💪 6.5% pay increase backdated to August
💪 Guaranteed pay increases of up to £1,000 a year
💪 Starting salary for all teachers £29,227
Read more 👇
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1421...
Reposted by Maxine Looby
🗳 From 13 Oct, members in around 100 FE branches will be balloted for industrial action.
The AoC’s 4% offer fails to fix low pay, unmanageable workloads or broken bargaining.
VOTE YES for a #NewDealForFE 💪
✅ Fair pay
✅ Manageable workloads
✅ Binding national bargaining
The AoC’s 4% offer fails to fix low pay, unmanageable workloads or broken bargaining.
VOTE YES for a #NewDealForFE 💪
✅ Fair pay
✅ Manageable workloads
✅ Binding national bargaining
October 7, 2025 at 12:49 PM
🗳 From 13 Oct, members in around 100 FE branches will be balloted for industrial action.
The AoC’s 4% offer fails to fix low pay, unmanageable workloads or broken bargaining.
VOTE YES for a #NewDealForFE 💪
✅ Fair pay
✅ Manageable workloads
✅ Binding national bargaining
The AoC’s 4% offer fails to fix low pay, unmanageable workloads or broken bargaining.
VOTE YES for a #NewDealForFE 💪
✅ Fair pay
✅ Manageable workloads
✅ Binding national bargaining
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Ballot papers are landing!
Ballots open on the 13th!
Vote YES for fair pay, safe workloads and binding national agreements.
This is our chance to win.
#VoteYes #NewDealForFE
Ballots open on the 13th!
Vote YES for fair pay, safe workloads and binding national agreements.
This is our chance to win.
#VoteYes #NewDealForFE
October 8, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Ballot papers are landing!
Ballots open on the 13th!
Vote YES for fair pay, safe workloads and binding national agreements.
This is our chance to win.
#VoteYes #NewDealForFE
Ballots open on the 13th!
Vote YES for fair pay, safe workloads and binding national agreements.
This is our chance to win.
#VoteYes #NewDealForFE
Reposted by Maxine Looby
“50% of FE lecturers leave within three years. In HE, 15,000 redundancies are looming.
If Labour are serious, we need commitments: close the pay gap, stop the cuts, and invest in education.
Otherwise today’s speech is hollow.” @drjogrady.bsky.social on
sophyridge.bsky.social tonight.
If Labour are serious, we need commitments: close the pay gap, stop the cuts, and invest in education.
Otherwise today’s speech is hollow.” @drjogrady.bsky.social on
sophyridge.bsky.social tonight.
September 30, 2025 at 8:53 PM
“50% of FE lecturers leave within three years. In HE, 15,000 redundancies are looming.
If Labour are serious, we need commitments: close the pay gap, stop the cuts, and invest in education.
Otherwise today’s speech is hollow.” @drjogrady.bsky.social on
sophyridge.bsky.social tonight.
If Labour are serious, we need commitments: close the pay gap, stop the cuts, and invest in education.
Otherwise today’s speech is hollow.” @drjogrady.bsky.social on
sophyridge.bsky.social tonight.
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Disastrous. Our @ucu.org.uk members in prison education do amazing work. What even is this government doing.
This is moving in exactly the wrong direction! Education & meaningful activity in prison is crucial to reducing violence and improving outcomes
September 15, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Disastrous. Our @ucu.org.uk members in prison education do amazing work. What even is this government doing.
Reposted by Maxine Looby
VCs don’t run universities.
We do.
After another real terms pay cut, UCU is launching a UK-wide strike ballot.
Ballot opens October.
Vote YES.
#WeAreTheUniversity
We do.
After another real terms pay cut, UCU is launching a UK-wide strike ballot.
Ballot opens October.
Vote YES.
#WeAreTheUniversity
September 8, 2025 at 5:39 PM
VCs don’t run universities.
We do.
After another real terms pay cut, UCU is launching a UK-wide strike ballot.
Ballot opens October.
Vote YES.
#WeAreTheUniversity
We do.
After another real terms pay cut, UCU is launching a UK-wide strike ballot.
Ballot opens October.
Vote YES.
#WeAreTheUniversity
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Today, UCU’s Estelle Hart paid tribute to our member Will Nelson, who tragically lost his life last week in Lisbon.
“Will fought to protect arts education and access to it, and we will continue to fight for that in his memory”.
Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
“Will fought to protect arts education and access to it, and we will continue to fight for that in his memory”.
Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
September 7, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Today, UCU’s Estelle Hart paid tribute to our member Will Nelson, who tragically lost his life last week in Lisbon.
“Will fought to protect arts education and access to it, and we will continue to fight for that in his memory”.
Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
“Will fought to protect arts education and access to it, and we will continue to fight for that in his memory”.
Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
Reposted by Maxine Looby
UCU member Will Nelson and his partner Kayleigh were among those who tragically lost their lives in Lisbon this week.
Will was popular and much loved by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this awful time.
Will was popular and much loved by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this awful time.
September 5, 2025 at 8:02 PM
UCU member Will Nelson and his partner Kayleigh were among those who tragically lost their lives in Lisbon this week.
Will was popular and much loved by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this awful time.
Will was popular and much loved by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this awful time.
Reposted by Maxine Looby
UCU President Elect (HE) @dyfrigjones.bsky.social warns that Labour’s response to Home Office threats against international students is “a political stunt with little substance.”
👉 “Aping Reform’s policies is a dead end, it drives core Labour supporters away.”
👉 “Aping Reform’s policies is a dead end, it drives core Labour supporters away.”
September 2, 2025 at 4:39 PM
UCU President Elect (HE) @dyfrigjones.bsky.social warns that Labour’s response to Home Office threats against international students is “a political stunt with little substance.”
👉 “Aping Reform’s policies is a dead end, it drives core Labour supporters away.”
👉 “Aping Reform’s policies is a dead end, it drives core Labour supporters away.”
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Prison education overhaul? Or more of the same?
The government’s £1.5bn ‘overhaul’ hands contracts back to the same failing providers.
This isn’t reform. It’s repeat failure.
#PrisonEducation #UCU
feweek.co.uk/existing-pro...
The government’s £1.5bn ‘overhaul’ hands contracts back to the same failing providers.
This isn’t reform. It’s repeat failure.
#PrisonEducation #UCU
feweek.co.uk/existing-pro...
Existing providers win £1.5bn prison education ‘overhaul’
Critics warn the system will continue to fail unless more drastic action is taken
feweek.co.uk
August 6, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Prison education overhaul? Or more of the same?
The government’s £1.5bn ‘overhaul’ hands contracts back to the same failing providers.
This isn’t reform. It’s repeat failure.
#PrisonEducation #UCU
feweek.co.uk/existing-pro...
The government’s £1.5bn ‘overhaul’ hands contracts back to the same failing providers.
This isn’t reform. It’s repeat failure.
#PrisonEducation #UCU
feweek.co.uk/existing-pro...
Reposted by Maxine Looby
£1.5bn ‘overhaul’ of prison education with the same failing providers.
Prison education should sit with the Department for Education, not the MoJ.
insidetime.org/newsround/ne...
Prison education should sit with the Department for Education, not the MoJ.
insidetime.org/newsround/ne...
New contracts but same old providers for prison education
Contracts worth up to £1.5 billion for education in prisons in England have been awarded after a two-year bidding process – to three of the four existing providers. Novus, PeoplePlus and Milton Key…
insidetime.org
August 12, 2025 at 10:48 AM
£1.5bn ‘overhaul’ of prison education with the same failing providers.
Prison education should sit with the Department for Education, not the MoJ.
insidetime.org/newsround/ne...
Prison education should sit with the Department for Education, not the MoJ.
insidetime.org/newsround/ne...
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Solidarity to all the UCU branches dealing with further cuts and 'reorganisations' while also trying to do some actual work during this month!
Extra solidarity to those UCU case workers and negotiators who are all doing their damnedest to keep jobs and support our colleagues.
#AcademicSky
Extra solidarity to those UCU case workers and negotiators who are all doing their damnedest to keep jobs and support our colleagues.
#AcademicSky
August 11, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Solidarity to all the UCU branches dealing with further cuts and 'reorganisations' while also trying to do some actual work during this month!
Extra solidarity to those UCU case workers and negotiators who are all doing their damnedest to keep jobs and support our colleagues.
#AcademicSky
Extra solidarity to those UCU case workers and negotiators who are all doing their damnedest to keep jobs and support our colleagues.
#AcademicSky
Reposted by Maxine Looby
Why are venture capitalists being allowed to profit from prison education?
The govt urgently needs to confirm these profiteers will not be allowed to line their pockets by slashing our members’ pensions.
Thank you @brianleishmanmp.bsky.social for raising this in parliament.
The govt urgently needs to confirm these profiteers will not be allowed to line their pockets by slashing our members’ pensions.
Thank you @brianleishmanmp.bsky.social for raising this in parliament.
July 18, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Why are venture capitalists being allowed to profit from prison education?
The govt urgently needs to confirm these profiteers will not be allowed to line their pockets by slashing our members’ pensions.
Thank you @brianleishmanmp.bsky.social for raising this in parliament.
The govt urgently needs to confirm these profiteers will not be allowed to line their pockets by slashing our members’ pensions.
Thank you @brianleishmanmp.bsky.social for raising this in parliament.
Reposted by Maxine Looby
"I myself cannot work without PIP and access to work"
buff.ly/i1iggvL
After 20 years of fighting, I still cannot get proper support and assistance, which is similar for all casualised workers
@mybool.bsky.social @tuc.org.uk @marisharay.bsky.social @disabilityld.bsky.social @cajardinemp.bsky.social
buff.ly/i1iggvL
After 20 years of fighting, I still cannot get proper support and assistance, which is similar for all casualised workers
@mybool.bsky.social @tuc.org.uk @marisharay.bsky.social @disabilityld.bsky.social @cajardinemp.bsky.social
July 7, 2025 at 8:09 AM
"I myself cannot work without PIP and access to work"
buff.ly/i1iggvL
After 20 years of fighting, I still cannot get proper support and assistance, which is similar for all casualised workers
@mybool.bsky.social @tuc.org.uk @marisharay.bsky.social @disabilityld.bsky.social @cajardinemp.bsky.social
buff.ly/i1iggvL
After 20 years of fighting, I still cannot get proper support and assistance, which is similar for all casualised workers
@mybool.bsky.social @tuc.org.uk @marisharay.bsky.social @disabilityld.bsky.social @cajardinemp.bsky.social
Reposted by Maxine Looby
🚨 Lobby the BCU governors! 🚨
On Wed 16th BCU governors are meeting for an update on the current review, which has put 342 staff at risk of redundancy & cuts student support in multiple ways.
Join our lobby: 1pm outside Parkside Building
Bring your solidarity and your sun cream! #SaveBCU
On Wed 16th BCU governors are meeting for an update on the current review, which has put 342 staff at risk of redundancy & cuts student support in multiple ways.
Join our lobby: 1pm outside Parkside Building
Bring your solidarity and your sun cream! #SaveBCU
July 10, 2025 at 9:52 PM
🚨 Lobby the BCU governors! 🚨
On Wed 16th BCU governors are meeting for an update on the current review, which has put 342 staff at risk of redundancy & cuts student support in multiple ways.
Join our lobby: 1pm outside Parkside Building
Bring your solidarity and your sun cream! #SaveBCU
On Wed 16th BCU governors are meeting for an update on the current review, which has put 342 staff at risk of redundancy & cuts student support in multiple ways.
Join our lobby: 1pm outside Parkside Building
Bring your solidarity and your sun cream! #SaveBCU
Reposted by Maxine Looby
📢 Bangor University’s £15m cuts plan is a shambles.
Staff have already suffered 200 job losses, and now another 78 are under threat. Our members have had enough.
We’re ready to fight compulsory redundancies. @bangorucu.bsky.social
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Staff have already suffered 200 job losses, and now another 78 are under threat. Our members have had enough.
We’re ready to fight compulsory redundancies. @bangorucu.bsky.social
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Welsh university staff threaten action over possible job losses
Bangor University has luanched a £15m savings consultation and has warned it cannot rule out compulsory redundancy
www.walesonline.co.uk
July 8, 2025 at 3:08 PM
📢 Bangor University’s £15m cuts plan is a shambles.
Staff have already suffered 200 job losses, and now another 78 are under threat. Our members have had enough.
We’re ready to fight compulsory redundancies. @bangorucu.bsky.social
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Staff have already suffered 200 job losses, and now another 78 are under threat. Our members have had enough.
We’re ready to fight compulsory redundancies. @bangorucu.bsky.social
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Reposted by Maxine Looby
📢 Birmingham City University is planning cuts that put 342 staff at risk, slashing student support despite admitting there’s no financial need.
This is a threat to student success and staff wellbeing.
✊ Sign the petition to stop the cuts @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
This is a threat to student success and staff wellbeing.
✊ Sign the petition to stop the cuts @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
Petition to @mybcu.bsky.social governors: remove the threat to 342 jobs and cuts to student support at BCU!
Please sign and share
@ucu.org.uk
www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
Please sign and share
@ucu.org.uk
www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
Sign the Petition
Stop redundancies and cuts to student support at Birmingham City University
www.change.org
July 9, 2025 at 9:40 AM
📢 Birmingham City University is planning cuts that put 342 staff at risk, slashing student support despite admitting there’s no financial need.
This is a threat to student success and staff wellbeing.
✊ Sign the petition to stop the cuts @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
This is a threat to student success and staff wellbeing.
✊ Sign the petition to stop the cuts @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
Reposted by Maxine Looby
🚨 A damning report from Parliament’s spending watchdog slams the govt’s incoherent teacher recruitment plan.
With up to 12,400 more FE teachers needed by 2028, vague pledges & poor pay just won’t cut it.
📣 We need action, not empty numbers.
feweek.co.uk/college-teac...
With up to 12,400 more FE teachers needed by 2028, vague pledges & poor pay just won’t cut it.
📣 We need action, not empty numbers.
feweek.co.uk/college-teac...
College teacher shortages put government missions at risk, say MPs
Committee also tells ministers to assess how effective pay rises are at retaining staff amid concerns over 6,500 teacher target
feweek.co.uk
July 9, 2025 at 11:28 AM
🚨 A damning report from Parliament’s spending watchdog slams the govt’s incoherent teacher recruitment plan.
With up to 12,400 more FE teachers needed by 2028, vague pledges & poor pay just won’t cut it.
📣 We need action, not empty numbers.
feweek.co.uk/college-teac...
With up to 12,400 more FE teachers needed by 2028, vague pledges & poor pay just won’t cut it.
📣 We need action, not empty numbers.
feweek.co.uk/college-teac...
Reposted by Maxine Looby
📢 An incredible 94% of staff (75% turnout) back strike at Warrington & Vale Royal.
Pay frozen for a year. No talks. £2.3m surplus.
Staff are ready to act.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1410...
Pay frozen for a year. No talks. £2.3m surplus.
Staff are ready to act.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1410...
Huge 94% strike vote at Warrington & Vale Royal College over frozen pay
An overwhelming 94% of staff at Warrington and Vale Royal College backed strike action in a ballot with a turnout of 75%, announced the University and College Union (UCU) today
www.ucu.org.uk
July 14, 2025 at 3:27 PM
📢 An incredible 94% of staff (75% turnout) back strike at Warrington & Vale Royal.
Pay frozen for a year. No talks. £2.3m surplus.
Staff are ready to act.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1410...
Pay frozen for a year. No talks. £2.3m surplus.
Staff are ready to act.
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1410...