QM_UCU
@qmucu.bsky.social
Local University & College Union branch at Queen Mary University of London. || Account checked only part-time; allow time for responses or reach us via email. https://qmucu.org/
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QM_UCU
@qmucu.bsky.social
· Nov 15
Quick digest of what's happening
⭐️ reorganisation: qmucu.org/qmul-transfo...
⭐️ management break-in in union office: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
⭐️ punitive deductions: qmucu.org/2023/09/12/l...
⭐️ legal challenge to deductions: qmucu.org/working-grou...
⭐️ news: qmucu.org/itn/ pic.x.com/Skb3gbpm86
⭐️ reorganisation: qmucu.org/qmul-transfo...
⭐️ management break-in in union office: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
⭐️ punitive deductions: qmucu.org/2023/09/12/l...
⭐️ legal challenge to deductions: qmucu.org/working-grou...
⭐️ news: qmucu.org/itn/ pic.x.com/Skb3gbpm86
yup. yup. yup. to all this by the brilliant @lboroucu.bsky.social members: our bosses WANT us atomised, you can see it in all their actions. They know they have to treat us better when we work together, as we have power that way.
Stronger together ✊
Hear from #LboroUCU members on why union membership matters and how we support each other.
Be part of it: ucu.lboro.ac.uk/join/
@ucu.org.uk #UCU #JoinAUnion
Hear from #LboroUCU members on why union membership matters and how we support each other.
Be part of it: ucu.lboro.ac.uk/join/
@ucu.org.uk #UCU #JoinAUnion
February 3, 2026 at 4:01 PM
yup. yup. yup. to all this by the brilliant @lboroucu.bsky.social members: our bosses WANT us atomised, you can see it in all their actions. They know they have to treat us better when we work together, as we have power that way.
Reposted by QM_UCU
Stronger together ✊
Hear from #LboroUCU members on why union membership matters and how we support each other.
Be part of it: ucu.lboro.ac.uk/join/
@ucu.org.uk #UCU #JoinAUnion
Hear from #LboroUCU members on why union membership matters and how we support each other.
Be part of it: ucu.lboro.ac.uk/join/
@ucu.org.uk #UCU #JoinAUnion
February 3, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Stronger together ✊
Hear from #LboroUCU members on why union membership matters and how we support each other.
Be part of it: ucu.lboro.ac.uk/join/
@ucu.org.uk #UCU #JoinAUnion
Hear from #LboroUCU members on why union membership matters and how we support each other.
Be part of it: ucu.lboro.ac.uk/join/
@ucu.org.uk #UCU #JoinAUnion
Reposted by QM_UCU
Also, maybe don't use this as an excuse to cut courses and programs that are currently profitable? And make faculty who bring in research funds redundant?
Seems, I don't know, obvious?
#stopthecuts #savehe #UCU #UoNUCU #UON #UniversityOfNottingham
Seems, I don't know, obvious?
#stopthecuts #savehe #UCU #UoNUCU #UON #UniversityOfNottingham
February 3, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Also, maybe don't use this as an excuse to cut courses and programs that are currently profitable? And make faculty who bring in research funds redundant?
Seems, I don't know, obvious?
#stopthecuts #savehe #UCU #UoNUCU #UON #UniversityOfNottingham
Seems, I don't know, obvious?
#stopthecuts #savehe #UCU #UoNUCU #UON #UniversityOfNottingham
Reposted by QM_UCU
And I'm also not in charge of the university, but I also feel like maybe the people who are in charge of making financial choices for the university should be the ones who face the consequences of these horrible decisions. Not staff, not students, not faculty, not the community.
February 3, 2026 at 3:34 PM
And I'm also not in charge of the university, but I also feel like maybe the people who are in charge of making financial choices for the university should be the ones who face the consequences of these horrible decisions. Not staff, not students, not faculty, not the community.
Funny* how often that seems to be the other way round.
*not funny at all.
*not funny at all.
And I'm also not in charge of the university, but I also feel like maybe the people who are in charge of making financial choices for the university should be the ones who face the consequences of these horrible decisions. Not staff, not students, not faculty, not the community.
February 3, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Funny* how often that seems to be the other way round.
*not funny at all.
*not funny at all.
Reposted by QM_UCU
Now I'm not an economist, but I feel like this is not great economic news.
February 3, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Now I'm not an economist, but I feel like this is not great economic news.
The vicitimisation of trade union activists affects us all. Even more so when it's done *by our own union* 🤯
Sending much solidarity to @uniteucu.bsky.social & asking everyone to write to the GS to put an end to this. (and
@tuc.org.uk, please have a word...) #HandsOffMarie
Sending much solidarity to @uniteucu.bsky.social & asking everyone to write to the GS to put an end to this. (and
@tuc.org.uk, please have a word...) #HandsOffMarie
📣 Hands off Marie!
Tell @drjogrady.bsky.social and @ucu.org.uk to stop victimising Unite UCU's safety rep.
✍️ jgrady@ucu.org.uk
#HandsOffMarie
#UniteTheUnion @unitetheunion.bsky.social
Tell @drjogrady.bsky.social and @ucu.org.uk to stop victimising Unite UCU's safety rep.
✍️ jgrady@ucu.org.uk
#HandsOffMarie
#UniteTheUnion @unitetheunion.bsky.social
February 2, 2026 at 7:36 PM
The vicitimisation of trade union activists affects us all. Even more so when it's done *by our own union* 🤯
Sending much solidarity to @uniteucu.bsky.social & asking everyone to write to the GS to put an end to this. (and
@tuc.org.uk, please have a word...) #HandsOffMarie
Sending much solidarity to @uniteucu.bsky.social & asking everyone to write to the GS to put an end to this. (and
@tuc.org.uk, please have a word...) #HandsOffMarie
Reposted by QM_UCU
📣 Hands off Marie!
Tell @drjogrady.bsky.social and @ucu.org.uk to stop victimising Unite UCU's safety rep.
✍️ jgrady@ucu.org.uk
#HandsOffMarie
#UniteTheUnion @unitetheunion.bsky.social
Tell @drjogrady.bsky.social and @ucu.org.uk to stop victimising Unite UCU's safety rep.
✍️ jgrady@ucu.org.uk
#HandsOffMarie
#UniteTheUnion @unitetheunion.bsky.social
January 30, 2026 at 2:15 PM
📣 Hands off Marie!
Tell @drjogrady.bsky.social and @ucu.org.uk to stop victimising Unite UCU's safety rep.
✍️ jgrady@ucu.org.uk
#HandsOffMarie
#UniteTheUnion @unitetheunion.bsky.social
Tell @drjogrady.bsky.social and @ucu.org.uk to stop victimising Unite UCU's safety rep.
✍️ jgrady@ucu.org.uk
#HandsOffMarie
#UniteTheUnion @unitetheunion.bsky.social
Reposted by QM_UCU
120 academic jobs at risk at London Met is a political choice, not an inevitability. Education workers and students deserve better than managed decline. Solidarity from Birmingham.
Union condemns London Met job cut plans and calls on supporters to attend rallies
UCU has today condemned plans by London Metropolitan University (London Met) to slash the jobs of 120 academic staff.
www.ucu.org.uk
February 1, 2026 at 9:55 AM
120 academic jobs at risk at London Met is a political choice, not an inevitability. Education workers and students deserve better than managed decline. Solidarity from Birmingham.
Reposted by QM_UCU
💪💪💪 @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social members start indefinite Action Short of a Strike @northumbriauni.bsky.social on 12 February. Strike Action is currently scheduled for...
February 2, 2026 at 9:52 AM
💪💪💪 @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social members start indefinite Action Short of a Strike @northumbriauni.bsky.social on 12 February. Strike Action is currently scheduled for...
Reposted by QM_UCU
This is the result of years of member action plus detailed work by UCU’s Superannuation Working Group and First Actuarial – a reminder that collective organising can deliver concrete gains for our pensions.
3/3
3/3
February 2, 2026 at 3:37 PM
This is the result of years of member action plus detailed work by UCU’s Superannuation Working Group and First Actuarial – a reminder that collective organising can deliver concrete gains for our pensions.
3/3
3/3
Reposted by QM_UCU
That means fewer wild swings in contributions and less scope for pessimistic modelling to justify cuts, strengthening protection for our defined benefits and giving a clearer, more realistic view of the scheme’s long‑term health.
2/3
2/3
February 2, 2026 at 3:37 PM
That means fewer wild swings in contributions and less scope for pessimistic modelling to justify cuts, strengthening protection for our defined benefits and giving a clearer, more realistic view of the scheme’s long‑term health.
2/3
2/3
Reposted by QM_UCU
USS has now agreed to adopt UCU’s proposed three‑leg valuation framework for 2026 – putting best‑estimate assumptions centre stage, making prudence more transparent, and prioritising contribution stability.
www.ucu.org.uk/artic...
1/3
www.ucu.org.uk/artic...
1/3
USS valuation methodology changes agreed - with more to do
The USS trustee board has recently concluded a review of the methodology to be used in the 2026 valuation and has confirmed that it intends to incorporate a number of UCU proposals.
www.ucu.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 3:37 PM
USS has now agreed to adopt UCU’s proposed three‑leg valuation framework for 2026 – putting best‑estimate assumptions centre stage, making prudence more transparent, and prioritising contribution stability.
www.ucu.org.uk/artic...
1/3
www.ucu.org.uk/artic...
1/3
Reposted by QM_UCU
Unions launch campaign to Save the Vet School through Unite, Unison, and University and College Union (UCU), staff at the University of Cambridge launch a campaign to save the Department of Veterinary Medicine. uniteuoc.org.uk/save-the-vet...
Save The Vet School - uniteuoc.org.uk
https://savethevetschool.co.uk NEWS! https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/30835
uniteuoc.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 7:04 PM
Unions launch campaign to Save the Vet School through Unite, Unison, and University and College Union (UCU), staff at the University of Cambridge launch a campaign to save the Department of Veterinary Medicine. uniteuoc.org.uk/save-the-vet...
Colleagues were interviewed on BBC Radio 4 about @qmul.bsky.social's sudden escalation in taking down posters & threatening disciplinary action.
It is a great explanation of what's happening & its dangers.
Listen from 22min in: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... or clipped: youtu.be/SJGnCrDaCf0?...
It is a great explanation of what's happening & its dangers.
Listen from 22min in: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... or clipped: youtu.be/SJGnCrDaCf0?...
February 2, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Colleagues were interviewed on BBC Radio 4 about @qmul.bsky.social's sudden escalation in taking down posters & threatening disciplinary action.
It is a great explanation of what's happening & its dangers.
Listen from 22min in: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... or clipped: youtu.be/SJGnCrDaCf0?...
It is a great explanation of what's happening & its dangers.
Listen from 22min in: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... or clipped: youtu.be/SJGnCrDaCf0?...
Reposted by QM_UCU
400 jobs at risk. A campus set to close.
This film explains what’s happening at the University of Essex and why staff, students and the local community are organising to stop it.
📍 Southend rally | 5 February
This film explains what’s happening at the University of Essex and why staff, students and the local community are organising to stop it.
📍 Southend rally | 5 February
January 26, 2026 at 3:13 PM
400 jobs at risk. A campus set to close.
This film explains what’s happening at the University of Essex and why staff, students and the local community are organising to stop it.
📍 Southend rally | 5 February
This film explains what’s happening at the University of Essex and why staff, students and the local community are organising to stop it.
📍 Southend rally | 5 February
You need people to go to bother to study to have nurses, GPs, lawyers, architects, copy-editors, lab technicians, millions of other jobs that this country requires to function.
Your atomising selfishness is unbeffiting.
Your atomising selfishness is unbeffiting.
2026: Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves, "It is not right that people who don't go to university bear the cost for others to"
2020: That time Labour leader Keir Starmer said he would scrap university tuition fees
2020: That time Labour leader Keir Starmer said he would scrap university tuition fees
January 30, 2026 at 12:50 PM
You need people to go to bother to study to have nurses, GPs, lawyers, architects, copy-editors, lab technicians, millions of other jobs that this country requires to function.
Your atomising selfishness is unbeffiting.
Your atomising selfishness is unbeffiting.
Reposted by QM_UCU
An educated population is a benefit to all, as well as benefitting the individuals who receive the education. But Labour would rather spout lazy & dishonest garbage to excuse their pathetic disregard for the sector than act for the common good. Every day is a new disappointment.
This is such a facile argument. Sure, let's have a conversation about how universities should be funded. But let's also talk interest rates, debt that functions like an extra tax, repayment thresholds, and what that's actually doing to millions of young people who did everything they were told to do
2026: Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves, "It is not right that people who don't go to university bear the cost for others to"
2020: That time Labour leader Keir Starmer said he would scrap university tuition fees
2020: That time Labour leader Keir Starmer said he would scrap university tuition fees
January 29, 2026 at 5:06 PM
An educated population is a benefit to all, as well as benefitting the individuals who receive the education. But Labour would rather spout lazy & dishonest garbage to excuse their pathetic disregard for the sector than act for the common good. Every day is a new disappointment.
Reposted by QM_UCU
Recent enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) against a major UK university has underlined the seriousness with which work-related stress is now being treated under health and safety law.
Read more here: https://ow.ly/qIRP50Y5imM
#ABTT
Read more here: https://ow.ly/qIRP50Y5imM
#ABTT
January 29, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Recent enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) against a major UK university has underlined the seriousness with which work-related stress is now being treated under health and safety law.
Read more here: https://ow.ly/qIRP50Y5imM
#ABTT
Read more here: https://ow.ly/qIRP50Y5imM
#ABTT
Reposted by QM_UCU
Watching this Labour government try to kill UK universities is like watching an animal disembowel itself. You just sit there thinking ‘Why?? Why would you rip out something that has always kept you alive?’
Rachel Reeves: "It is not right that people who don't go to university bear the cost for others to." I don't use local leisure centres and I don't drive, so will I be made exempt for taxation that pays for all that stuff? Or is it only education we'll be going after
January 30, 2026 at 11:48 AM
Watching this Labour government try to kill UK universities is like watching an animal disembowel itself. You just sit there thinking ‘Why?? Why would you rip out something that has always kept you alive?’
We'd urge EVERYONE to write to their MP about this. The #UKHE financial system is actively harmful. The minister knows this but thinks 'The Public' doesn't care.
Let them know you do.
If you don't have your MP's contact details, this is a great tool: www.writetothem.com
Let them know you do.
If you don't have your MP's contact details, this is a great tool: www.writetothem.com
"I'd love to play their calls to Rachel Reeves."
Do callers Elliot and Kieran illustrate the implicit unfairness of the student loan system? @benkentish.bsky.social thinks so.
Do callers Elliot and Kieran illustrate the implicit unfairness of the student loan system? @benkentish.bsky.social thinks so.
January 30, 2026 at 11:16 AM
We'd urge EVERYONE to write to their MP about this. The #UKHE financial system is actively harmful. The minister knows this but thinks 'The Public' doesn't care.
Let them know you do.
If you don't have your MP's contact details, this is a great tool: www.writetothem.com
Let them know you do.
If you don't have your MP's contact details, this is a great tool: www.writetothem.com
And this is the thing…
(quite the thread on government’s ’AI Training’)
(quite the thread on government’s ’AI Training’)
How? How do you double-check the accuracy, if you're not already an expert? Ask a different GenAI? Or do you, you know... Have to go and do the research you would have done anyway, pre-AI? Because I'm buggered if I can think of how you do that in a way where the GenAI saved you time.
January 29, 2026 at 5:12 PM
And this is the thing…
(quite the thread on government’s ’AI Training’)
(quite the thread on government’s ’AI Training’)
Reposted by QM_UCU
Physics is under the cosh, Astronomy and Chemistry in peril, Geography is losing territory, English, Modern Languages and History are among the many shrinking UK disciplines.
Surely it's time to have a concerted, structured conversation about universities and the national research base.
Surely it's time to have a concerted, structured conversation about universities and the national research base.
UK physics research and science facilities face ‘substantial’ cuts.
Major cuts will hit UK science facilities and government research grants for physics and astronomy over the next four years, Research Professional News can reveal.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Major cuts will hit UK science facilities and government research grants for physics and astronomy over the next four years, Research Professional News can reveal.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
UK physics research and science facilities face ‘substantial’ cuts - Research Professional News
Exclusive: Science and Technology Facilities Council seeks £162m cost savings, with existing projects facing axe
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Physics is under the cosh, Astronomy and Chemistry in peril, Geography is losing territory, English, Modern Languages and History are among the many shrinking UK disciplines.
Surely it's time to have a concerted, structured conversation about universities and the national research base.
Surely it's time to have a concerted, structured conversation about universities and the national research base.
Reposted by QM_UCU
'Asked for specifics, the most cited differences include increased class sizes (40 per cent) and lack of staff availability and capacity (44 per cent).'
Scientific hypothesis: There is a causative relationship between large-scale staff redundancies and students' perceived wellbeing. 2/2
Scientific hypothesis: There is a causative relationship between large-scale staff redundancies and students' perceived wellbeing. 2/2
January 29, 2026 at 2:03 PM
'Asked for specifics, the most cited differences include increased class sizes (40 per cent) and lack of staff availability and capacity (44 per cent).'
Scientific hypothesis: There is a causative relationship between large-scale staff redundancies and students' perceived wellbeing. 2/2
Scientific hypothesis: There is a causative relationship between large-scale staff redundancies and students' perceived wellbeing. 2/2
Reposted by QM_UCU
'Half of English students have noticed an impact from cost-cutting measures at their university, with most saying it was leading to a worse experience than expected.'
Meanwhile, NSS and TEF results proposed as yet another mechanism for disciplining English universities.
Thanks OfS! 1/2
Meanwhile, NSS and TEF results proposed as yet another mechanism for disciplining English universities.
Thanks OfS! 1/2
Nearly half of students concerned about their course closing
Cost-cutting measures impacting student experience, find OfS polling, with increased class sizes and reduced access to facilities among issues raised
www.timeshighereducation.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:03 PM
'Half of English students have noticed an impact from cost-cutting measures at their university, with most saying it was leading to a worse experience than expected.'
Meanwhile, NSS and TEF results proposed as yet another mechanism for disciplining English universities.
Thanks OfS! 1/2
Meanwhile, NSS and TEF results proposed as yet another mechanism for disciplining English universities.
Thanks OfS! 1/2