Peter Crowther
@pjcrowther.bsky.social
Work at Birmingham City University. BCU UCU Professional Services Rep, UCU West Midlands Regional Secretary and National ARPS Committee. Love Radio, Journalism, Technicians, Trade Unions, 3D Printing, Public Transport and Jet Lag: The Game.
This news has made me so happy. In a city I’ve never stepped foot in, a masterclass in labour organising.
November 5, 2025 at 6:07 PM
This news has made me so happy. In a city I’ve never stepped foot in, a masterclass in labour organising.
Reposted by Peter Crowther
Pay cuts are rubbish 🪧
We were proud to support the excellent Brum Bin Strike march & demo organised by @unitetheunion.bsky.social .
The support for this dispute is getting stronger.
Your move Keir Starmer
(c) 📷 @redhen90.bsky.social #StrikeMap
#Solidarity #BirminghamBinStrike
We were proud to support the excellent Brum Bin Strike march & demo organised by @unitetheunion.bsky.social .
The support for this dispute is getting stronger.
Your move Keir Starmer
(c) 📷 @redhen90.bsky.social #StrikeMap
#Solidarity #BirminghamBinStrike
September 20, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Pay cuts are rubbish 🪧
We were proud to support the excellent Brum Bin Strike march & demo organised by @unitetheunion.bsky.social .
The support for this dispute is getting stronger.
Your move Keir Starmer
(c) 📷 @redhen90.bsky.social #StrikeMap
#Solidarity #BirminghamBinStrike
We were proud to support the excellent Brum Bin Strike march & demo organised by @unitetheunion.bsky.social .
The support for this dispute is getting stronger.
Your move Keir Starmer
(c) 📷 @redhen90.bsky.social #StrikeMap
#Solidarity #BirminghamBinStrike
Reposted by Peter Crowther
It's also really worth stressing that BCU is not loss-making and was profitable for the entirety of the five years I was there. Changes are being made solely because this is what this VC wants. He'll implement them, move on, and leave a diminished institution in a great city.
September 6, 2025 at 5:38 PM
It's also really worth stressing that BCU is not loss-making and was profitable for the entirety of the five years I was there. Changes are being made solely because this is what this VC wants. He'll implement them, move on, and leave a diminished institution in a great city.
Reposted by Peter Crowther
www.birminghamdispatch.co.uk/a-new-vice-c... This is an excellent piece. I was at BCU until April (left for another job, not part of either redundancy scheme), the atmosphere was garbage at the time and according to my colleagues has only gotten worse.
Backlash at BCU: the divisive reign of David Mba
The vice chancellor says he's bringing much needed change - and anyone who disagrees can get out of his way
www.birminghamdispatch.co.uk
September 6, 2025 at 5:38 PM
www.birminghamdispatch.co.uk/a-new-vice-c... This is an excellent piece. I was at BCU until April (left for another job, not part of either redundancy scheme), the atmosphere was garbage at the time and according to my colleagues has only gotten worse.
Reposted by Peter Crowther
SHUT IT DOWN 2
Five sites, one day. Not a wheel turned.
Victory to the Brum Bin workers.
#Megapickets work, pass it on.
#StrikeMap
Five sites, one day. Not a wheel turned.
Victory to the Brum Bin workers.
#Megapickets work, pass it on.
#StrikeMap
July 25, 2025 at 11:10 AM
SHUT IT DOWN 2
Five sites, one day. Not a wheel turned.
Victory to the Brum Bin workers.
#Megapickets work, pass it on.
#StrikeMap
Five sites, one day. Not a wheel turned.
Victory to the Brum Bin workers.
#Megapickets work, pass it on.
#StrikeMap
A very early but very worthwhile start of the day supporting the Brum bin workers picket at the Birmingham Perry Barr Depot representing @bcu-ucu.bsky.social, we shut the place down! I’ll take that energy into meeting with management today as 342 staff are still at risk of compulsory redundancy.
July 25, 2025 at 9:55 AM
A very early but very worthwhile start of the day supporting the Brum bin workers picket at the Birmingham Perry Barr Depot representing @bcu-ucu.bsky.social, we shut the place down! I’ll take that energy into meeting with management today as 342 staff are still at risk of compulsory redundancy.
“Warwick is distinctive because it’s real.” Using university funds to pay for an advertorial in Vogue Singapore where an executive is featured in a fashion photoshoot and discusses his legacy is possibly one of the most tone-deaf moves I’ve ever seen in UKHE and the bar was already incredibly high.
I can't quite believe it, but, it appears that the person responsible for this at the University of Warwick has had a Vogue photoshoot about the rebrand, explaining his 'journey from the world of luxury [goods marketing] into higher education' vogue.sg/university-o...
July 22, 2025 at 10:21 PM
“Warwick is distinctive because it’s real.” Using university funds to pay for an advertorial in Vogue Singapore where an executive is featured in a fashion photoshoot and discusses his legacy is possibly one of the most tone-deaf moves I’ve ever seen in UKHE and the bar was already incredibly high.
Reposted by Peter Crowther
Professional Services rep and @ucu.org.uk negotiator @pjcrowther.bsky.social reads out a list of the areas affected by cuts and downgrades at our lunchtime lobby of the @mybcu.bsky.social governors today.
No to redundancies, no to downgrading, no to cuts to student support!
No to redundancies, no to downgrading, no to cuts to student support!
July 16, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Professional Services rep and @ucu.org.uk negotiator @pjcrowther.bsky.social reads out a list of the areas affected by cuts and downgrades at our lunchtime lobby of the @mybcu.bsky.social governors today.
No to redundancies, no to downgrading, no to cuts to student support!
No to redundancies, no to downgrading, no to cuts to student support!
Reposted by Peter Crowther
🚨 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
Please support @bcu-ucu.bsky.social and sign our petition to stop the threat of compulsory redundancy for 342 staff. chng.it/nKTdm2RCZ7
@ucu.org.uk branches we need your support!
@ucu.org.uk branches we need your support!
Sign the Petition
Stop redundancies and cuts to student support at Birmingham City University
chng.it
July 8, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Please support @bcu-ucu.bsky.social and sign our petition to stop the threat of compulsory redundancy for 342 staff. chng.it/nKTdm2RCZ7
@ucu.org.uk branches we need your support!
@ucu.org.uk branches we need your support!
Production underway for the next batch of Join UCU fidget toys for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social’s recruitment push as we battle the threat of compulsory redundancy with 342 colleagues put at risk.
July 7, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Production underway for the next batch of Join UCU fidget toys for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social’s recruitment push as we battle the threat of compulsory redundancy with 342 colleagues put at risk.
Reposted by Peter Crowther
when you and your bestie* accidentally show up in a matching outfit
* and by you and your bestie we mean universities prioritising branding and vibes over students and staff
* and by you and your bestie we mean universities prioritising branding and vibes over students and staff
July 4, 2025 at 9:58 AM
when you and your bestie* accidentally show up in a matching outfit
* and by you and your bestie we mean universities prioritising branding and vibes over students and staff
* and by you and your bestie we mean universities prioritising branding and vibes over students and staff
Mama said don’t cross picket lines. ✊
LL Cool J: "There is absolutely no way I can perform across a picket line."
✊
www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainmen...
✊
www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainmen...
LL COOL J drops out of Wawa Welcome America concert because of union strike
LL COOL J said that he is not going to perform at Wawa Welcome America on July 4th in light of the AFSCME District Council 33 strike in Philadelphia.
www.nbcphiladelphia.com
July 4, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Mama said don’t cross picket lines. ✊
A beautiful day in the Black Country today for the Women Chainmakers’ Festival. Privildged to carry the @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with our wonderful Branch Chair @illdoitanyway.bsky.social in the march remembering the courage of the Cradley Heath Chainmakers.
June 28, 2025 at 5:08 PM
A beautiful day in the Black Country today for the Women Chainmakers’ Festival. Privildged to carry the @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with our wonderful Branch Chair @illdoitanyway.bsky.social in the march remembering the courage of the Cradley Heath Chainmakers.
Reposted by Peter Crowther
BCU UCU members 📢
Branch meeting Monday 1pm. Check your email for your link. Come along to build our collective fight-back!
Branch meeting Monday 1pm. Check your email for your link. Come along to build our collective fight-back!
June 27, 2025 at 3:28 PM
BCU UCU members 📢
Branch meeting Monday 1pm. Check your email for your link. Come along to build our collective fight-back!
Branch meeting Monday 1pm. Check your email for your link. Come along to build our collective fight-back!
Reposted by Peter Crowther
A MASSIVE WIN AT NEWCASTLE UNI ICU
June 27, 2025 at 3:52 PM
A MASSIVE WIN AT NEWCASTLE UNI ICU
Reposted by Peter Crowther
Rhianwen Roberts, @ucu.org.uk FE policy officer, opens her keynote at the BCU FE conference with a message of solidarity for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social & all affected by the 340 potential redundancies announced. Calls on leadership to take them off the table & to negotiate with the branch.
June 25, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Rhianwen Roberts, @ucu.org.uk FE policy officer, opens her keynote at the BCU FE conference with a message of solidarity for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social & all affected by the 340 potential redundancies announced. Calls on leadership to take them off the table & to negotiate with the branch.
Phenomenal work from @ducuuo.bsky.social. They’ve worked tirelessly to save jobs amidst a crisis not of their own making.
Surely BCU can see the light and take compulsory redundancy off the table when our finances are in good order? @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
Surely BCU can see the light and take compulsory redundancy off the table when our finances are in good order? @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
NO REDUNDANCIES at the University of Dundee.
Fantastic news in our fight to save jobs, as interim Principal Prof Nigel Seaton confirms that there will be no redundancies. A massive victory for everyone who has supported us.
Looking forward to receiving the removal of Section 188 in writing.
Fantastic news in our fight to save jobs, as interim Principal Prof Nigel Seaton confirms that there will be no redundancies. A massive victory for everyone who has supported us.
Looking forward to receiving the removal of Section 188 in writing.
June 24, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Phenomenal work from @ducuuo.bsky.social. They’ve worked tirelessly to save jobs amidst a crisis not of their own making.
Surely BCU can see the light and take compulsory redundancy off the table when our finances are in good order? @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
Surely BCU can see the light and take compulsory redundancy off the table when our finances are in good order? @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
Absolute legends! ✊ Great to see this as we start a fresh struggle @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
🚨IT'S A WIN 🚨
Well done to every single @newcastleucu.bsky.social member
44 days on the picket line
ZERO compulsory redundancies
University bosses need to look at what our members have achieved in Newcastle & heed the warning: work with us or face disruption
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1406...
Well done to every single @newcastleucu.bsky.social member
44 days on the picket line
ZERO compulsory redundancies
University bosses need to look at what our members have achieved in Newcastle & heed the warning: work with us or face disruption
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1406...
June 20, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Absolute legends! ✊ Great to see this as we start a fresh struggle @bcu-ucu.bsky.social
Please sign this petition for @ucusurrey.bsky.social.
We’ve already lost our new professional services colleagues to a subsidiary @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with a weaker pension provision and no union representation.
This needs to be resisted at every institution!
We’ve already lost our new professional services colleagues to a subsidiary @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with a weaker pension provision and no union representation.
This needs to be resisted at every institution!
Please sign to halt outsourcing plans 👇
University of Surrey proposes to employ all new Professional Services staff through a subsidiary company on lesser T&Cs.
This is an existential threat to our university & sector.
speakout.web.ucu.org.uk/operate-surr...
@ucu.org.uk
University of Surrey proposes to employ all new Professional Services staff through a subsidiary company on lesser T&Cs.
This is an existential threat to our university & sector.
speakout.web.ucu.org.uk/operate-surr...
@ucu.org.uk
Operate Surrey - Halt Outsourcing Plans at University of Surrey
The University of Surrey proposes to employ all new Professional Services staff through its subsidiary company: Operate Surrey: Operate Surrey - Jobs at the University of Surrey. This constitutes outs...
speakout.web.ucu.org.uk
June 13, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Please sign this petition for @ucusurrey.bsky.social.
We’ve already lost our new professional services colleagues to a subsidiary @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with a weaker pension provision and no union representation.
This needs to be resisted at every institution!
We’ve already lost our new professional services colleagues to a subsidiary @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with a weaker pension provision and no union representation.
This needs to be resisted at every institution!
Awful to see the great city of Liverpool suffer on what was such a joyous day. I was in town until early this afternoon for @ucu.org.uk Congress and the atmosphere building was wonderful and friendly. The community they showed today in celebration will get them through this horrible ordeal. #YNWA
May 26, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Awful to see the great city of Liverpool suffer on what was such a joyous day. I was in town until early this afternoon for @ucu.org.uk Congress and the atmosphere building was wonderful and friendly. The community they showed today in celebration will get them through this horrible ordeal. #YNWA
Reposted by Peter Crowther
#UCU2025 Congress has voted to raise a trade dispute with the government.
@drjogrady.bsky.social On BBC Radio 4 this morning our general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social lays out the stark reality of the crisis facing our sector
@drjogrady.bsky.social On BBC Radio 4 this morning our general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social lays out the stark reality of the crisis facing our sector
May 26, 2025 at 9:28 AM
#UCU2025 Congress has voted to raise a trade dispute with the government.
@drjogrady.bsky.social On BBC Radio 4 this morning our general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social lays out the stark reality of the crisis facing our sector
@drjogrady.bsky.social On BBC Radio 4 this morning our general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social lays out the stark reality of the crisis facing our sector
Reposted by Peter Crowther
#YNWA #FreePalestine
Not a football or sport person, never felt so safe and uplifted around fans as the crowds I am stuck in today! Liverpool ❤️
Not a football or sport person, never felt so safe and uplifted around fans as the crowds I am stuck in today! Liverpool ❤️
May 26, 2025 at 2:22 PM
#YNWA #FreePalestine
Not a football or sport person, never felt so safe and uplifted around fans as the crowds I am stuck in today! Liverpool ❤️
Not a football or sport person, never felt so safe and uplifted around fans as the crowds I am stuck in today! Liverpool ❤️
Reposted by Peter Crowther
There’s always salami left in the salami stand:
Funding for ‘high cost’ university courses to be cut in England
Education secretary says top-up support for subjects including media must be scaled back because of ‘extremely challenging’ fiscal environment
www.ft.com
May 19, 2025 at 8:15 PM
There’s always salami left in the salami stand:
Not saying getting active @ucu.org.uk improves the weather but I joined @newcastleucu.bsky.social’s picket last week and have had the most stunning few days in the north-east.
May 19, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Not saying getting active @ucu.org.uk improves the weather but I joined @newcastleucu.bsky.social’s picket last week and have had the most stunning few days in the north-east.