Sean Wallis
@seanawallis.bsky.social
Socialist, corpus linguistics researcher at UCL, UCL UCU secretary, NEC member, convenor @HEConvention, jt editor of #altHEWhitePaper. All tweets personal cap.
Blogs about statistics and corpus linguistics at https://corplingstats.wordpress.com
Blogs about statistics and corpus linguistics at https://corplingstats.wordpress.com
Reposted by Sean Wallis
'There is no elegant way to triangulate Holocaust-deniers with people who grasp basic history.'
'Having helped spawn a beast, riding it comes naturally.'
'Having helped spawn a beast, riding it comes naturally.'
New gift link (previous one expired). Comments have been disabled, which demonstrates my point..
on.ft.com/47oS8kI
on.ft.com/47oS8kI
November 4, 2025 at 3:14 PM
'There is no elegant way to triangulate Holocaust-deniers with people who grasp basic history.'
'Having helped spawn a beast, riding it comes naturally.'
'Having helped spawn a beast, riding it comes naturally.'
Reposted by Sean Wallis
New development at the British Library announced today amid very difficult times for both staff and readers.
British Library Board statement
The British Library Board has announced that Rebecca Lawrence has stepped down as Chief Executive.
www.bl.uk
November 4, 2025 at 3:45 PM
New development at the British Library announced today amid very difficult times for both staff and readers.
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Calling all branch members: multi-union campus meeting 12:30-13:30 TODAY in The Ken Wade Lecture Theatre (Calman 203), to talk about our respective ballots and the ongoing state of affairs at our university.
November 5, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Calling all branch members: multi-union campus meeting 12:30-13:30 TODAY in The Ken Wade Lecture Theatre (Calman 203), to talk about our respective ballots and the ongoing state of affairs at our university.
Reposted by Sean Wallis
News that further job cuts are coming is just another shocking revelation in a year when staff have been told one thing only to be told something different over the number of jobs to be cut and the need for compulsory redundancies.
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
University staff strikes set to continue amid job cut threats
Further strike action is expected from UCU members from November 10 next week amid a long running dispute with university bosses.
news.stv.tv
November 5, 2025 at 8:40 AM
News that further job cuts are coming is just another shocking revelation in a year when staff have been told one thing only to be told something different over the number of jobs to be cut and the need for compulsory redundancies.
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Our (slightly droopy) banner at the back there as a delegation from the branch committee visited striking UCU workers at INTO Manchester fighting against a 2% pay offer from their employer, well behind the rate of inflation.
INTO are a private education provider who last year made £20million profit
INTO are a private education provider who last year made £20million profit
October 28, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Our (slightly droopy) banner at the back there as a delegation from the branch committee visited striking UCU workers at INTO Manchester fighting against a 2% pay offer from their employer, well behind the rate of inflation.
INTO are a private education provider who last year made £20million profit
INTO are a private education provider who last year made £20million profit
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Dozens of staff stood up and displayed these signs at the beginning of today’s address by the VC to demonstrate their lack of confidence in him and his ability to impose such devastating staff cuts across the university.
November 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Dozens of staff stood up and displayed these signs at the beginning of today’s address by the VC to demonstrate their lack of confidence in him and his ability to impose such devastating staff cuts across the university.
Reposted by Sean Wallis
We’re leading 5 days of industrial action at the University of Dundee.
We’re calling on all our members to participate in this action. You can join us on the picket line or strike from home. You can legally join the strike if you aren’t a member of a union
The people united will never be defeated.
We’re calling on all our members to participate in this action. You can join us on the picket line or strike from home. You can legally join the strike if you aren’t a member of a union
The people united will never be defeated.
November 5, 2025 at 11:23 AM
We’re leading 5 days of industrial action at the University of Dundee.
We’re calling on all our members to participate in this action. You can join us on the picket line or strike from home. You can legally join the strike if you aren’t a member of a union
The people united will never be defeated.
We’re calling on all our members to participate in this action. You can join us on the picket line or strike from home. You can legally join the strike if you aren’t a member of a union
The people united will never be defeated.
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Staff at Dundee University are taking action again next week to defend jobs and resist compulsory redundancies.
A year after the university’s financial crisis, uncertainty still hangs over hundreds of staff.
Solidarity with Dundee UCU members fighting for fairness and job security. ✊
A year after the university’s financial crisis, uncertainty still hangs over hundreds of staff.
Solidarity with Dundee UCU members fighting for fairness and job security. ✊
News that further job cuts are coming is just another shocking revelation in a year when staff have been told one thing only to be told something different over the number of jobs to be cut and the need for compulsory redundancies.
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
University staff strikes set to continue amid job cut threats
Further strike action is expected from UCU members from November 10 next week amid a long running dispute with university bosses.
news.stv.tv
November 5, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Staff at Dundee University are taking action again next week to defend jobs and resist compulsory redundancies.
A year after the university’s financial crisis, uncertainty still hangs over hundreds of staff.
Solidarity with Dundee UCU members fighting for fairness and job security. ✊
A year after the university’s financial crisis, uncertainty still hangs over hundreds of staff.
Solidarity with Dundee UCU members fighting for fairness and job security. ✊
Reposted by Sean Wallis
I have to say as a former chair of the UCU Disabled Members Committee… this is becoming beyond bearable to watch happening inside of our own union. My branch @ucukent.bsky.social Has discussed this several times and on each occasion offered solidarity to our staff.
Being disabled shouldn’t mean you’re on a lower wage, or that you’re afraid to ask for support at work because it could hit you financially.
Having a reasonable adjustment should never lead to a pay cut.
But this is what’s happening to some UCU staff right now.
Short 🧵
Having a reasonable adjustment should never lead to a pay cut.
But this is what’s happening to some UCU staff right now.
Short 🧵
October 31, 2025 at 3:16 PM
I have to say as a former chair of the UCU Disabled Members Committee… this is becoming beyond bearable to watch happening inside of our own union. My branch @ucukent.bsky.social Has discussed this several times and on each occasion offered solidarity to our staff.
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Solidarity to my colleagues and good friends at Dundee.
It's a sair fecht but the Workers & students cannot pay for the revolving door of management ineptitude.
The toxic arrogant top down management culture in parts of HE needs rooting out and replacing with democratic accountability
It's a sair fecht but the Workers & students cannot pay for the revolving door of management ineptitude.
The toxic arrogant top down management culture in parts of HE needs rooting out and replacing with democratic accountability
News that further job cuts are coming is just another shocking revelation in a year when staff have been told one thing only to be told something different over the number of jobs to be cut and the need for compulsory redundancies.
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
DUCU co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio
news.stv.tv/north/dundee...
University staff strikes set to continue amid job cut threats
Further strike action is expected from UCU members from November 10 next week amid a long running dispute with university bosses.
news.stv.tv
November 5, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Solidarity to my colleagues and good friends at Dundee.
It's a sair fecht but the Workers & students cannot pay for the revolving door of management ineptitude.
The toxic arrogant top down management culture in parts of HE needs rooting out and replacing with democratic accountability
It's a sair fecht but the Workers & students cannot pay for the revolving door of management ineptitude.
The toxic arrogant top down management culture in parts of HE needs rooting out and replacing with democratic accountability
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Being disabled shouldn’t mean you’re on a lower wage, or that you’re afraid to ask for support at work because it could hit you financially.
Having a reasonable adjustment should never lead to a pay cut.
But this is what’s happening to some UCU staff right now.
Short 🧵
Having a reasonable adjustment should never lead to a pay cut.
But this is what’s happening to some UCU staff right now.
Short 🧵
October 31, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Being disabled shouldn’t mean you’re on a lower wage, or that you’re afraid to ask for support at work because it could hit you financially.
Having a reasonable adjustment should never lead to a pay cut.
But this is what’s happening to some UCU staff right now.
Short 🧵
Having a reasonable adjustment should never lead to a pay cut.
But this is what’s happening to some UCU staff right now.
Short 🧵
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Vote yes! Absolutely! 💯 🗳️🗳️🗳️
October 31, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Vote yes! Absolutely! 💯 🗳️🗳️🗳️
Reposted by Sean Wallis
We love to see these votes flying!
Let’s keep them coming over the weekend. 📮📮📮📮
Let’s keep them coming over the weekend. 📮📮📮📮
Another @ucu.org.uk vote goes in the post. Your union needs you ✊ #weAreTheUniversity @lboroucu.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 3:42 PM
We love to see these votes flying!
Let’s keep them coming over the weekend. 📮📮📮📮
Let’s keep them coming over the weekend. 📮📮📮📮
Reposted by Sean Wallis
📣 National Get The Vote Out LIVE!
Join us next Thursday 6 November at 7PM as we go live from campuses across the UK 💪
Hear from members, branches and organisers as we make the final push to get every ballot posted 🗳️
Watch LIVE on UCU X and YouTube
#WeAreTheUniversity
Join us next Thursday 6 November at 7PM as we go live from campuses across the UK 💪
Hear from members, branches and organisers as we make the final push to get every ballot posted 🗳️
Watch LIVE on UCU X and YouTube
#WeAreTheUniversity
October 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM
📣 National Get The Vote Out LIVE!
Join us next Thursday 6 November at 7PM as we go live from campuses across the UK 💪
Hear from members, branches and organisers as we make the final push to get every ballot posted 🗳️
Watch LIVE on UCU X and YouTube
#WeAreTheUniversity
Join us next Thursday 6 November at 7PM as we go live from campuses across the UK 💪
Hear from members, branches and organisers as we make the final push to get every ballot posted 🗳️
Watch LIVE on UCU X and YouTube
#WeAreTheUniversity
Reposted by Sean Wallis
A "Voluntary Enhanced Retirement" scheme was announced at our place (Uni of Leeds) today with more details due in an FAQ on Monday.
My personal take is that it is, on current information, difficult not to see this as a form of voluntary redundancy scheme. Have we seen similar at other branches?
/1
My personal take is that it is, on current information, difficult not to see this as a form of voluntary redundancy scheme. Have we seen similar at other branches?
/1
A "Voluntary Enhanced Retirement" scheme was announced by the VC at University of Leeds earlier today.
We encourage all members to attend our 13 Nov branch General Meeting (12:45-2pm, online) and to keep watch on your emails for more info/advice and further meetings (incl. email sent today ~13:30)
We encourage all members to attend our 13 Nov branch General Meeting (12:45-2pm, online) and to keep watch on your emails for more info/advice and further meetings (incl. email sent today ~13:30)
October 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
A "Voluntary Enhanced Retirement" scheme was announced at our place (Uni of Leeds) today with more details due in an FAQ on Monday.
My personal take is that it is, on current information, difficult not to see this as a form of voluntary redundancy scheme. Have we seen similar at other branches?
/1
My personal take is that it is, on current information, difficult not to see this as a form of voluntary redundancy scheme. Have we seen similar at other branches?
/1
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Today colleagues across 5 academic and 1 Professional Services area were informed that their redundancy consultation process starts next week. Spare a thought for all these people who will spend the next 4 months in limbo. Our fight continues and we will be out on strike again from 10 November
- EGM tomorrow at 12
- Strike action begins 10th of November
- Strike action begins 10th of November
October 28, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Today colleagues across 5 academic and 1 Professional Services area were informed that their redundancy consultation process starts next week. Spare a thought for all these people who will spend the next 4 months in limbo. Our fight continues and we will be out on strike again from 10 November
Reposted by Sean Wallis
5. It is not “jobs vs. pay” – employers are cutting both
6. We need a UK-wide agreement on redundancies
7. We need to stop #HiddenRedundancies
8. We need to defend national agreements
9. We stand with our sister trade unions
10. We will decide what action we take – democratically
@ucu.org.uk
6. We need a UK-wide agreement on redundancies
7. We need to stop #HiddenRedundancies
8. We need to defend national agreements
9. We stand with our sister trade unions
10. We will decide what action we take – democratically
@ucu.org.uk
October 28, 2025 at 9:27 AM
5. It is not “jobs vs. pay” – employers are cutting both
6. We need a UK-wide agreement on redundancies
7. We need to stop #HiddenRedundancies
8. We need to defend national agreements
9. We stand with our sister trade unions
10. We will decide what action we take – democratically
@ucu.org.uk
6. We need a UK-wide agreement on redundancies
7. We need to stop #HiddenRedundancies
8. We need to defend national agreements
9. We stand with our sister trade unions
10. We will decide what action we take – democratically
@ucu.org.uk
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Ten Reasons to Vote YES in the UCU ballot ucusolidaritymovement.org/2025/10/25/h...
1. It is a vote against pay and job cuts
2. We need a UK-wide mandate to stand together
3. Staff pay has been falling as a proportion of expenditure
4. Pay is falling sharply in real terms
1. It is a vote against pay and job cuts
2. We need a UK-wide mandate to stand together
3. Staff pay has been falling as a proportion of expenditure
4. Pay is falling sharply in real terms
HE Ballot 2025
UCU began a formal industrial action ballot of members across the UK on Monday 20 October for 6 weeks. UCU is calling for: a pay uplift that is at least RPI + 3.5% or £2,500, whichever is the high…
ucusolidaritymovement.org
October 28, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Ten Reasons to Vote YES in the UCU ballot ucusolidaritymovement.org/2025/10/25/h...
1. It is a vote against pay and job cuts
2. We need a UK-wide mandate to stand together
3. Staff pay has been falling as a proportion of expenditure
4. Pay is falling sharply in real terms
1. It is a vote against pay and job cuts
2. We need a UK-wide mandate to stand together
3. Staff pay has been falling as a proportion of expenditure
4. Pay is falling sharply in real terms
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Need a replacement ballot? You can request one now through November 23. Don’t wait too long—make sure your vote counts! Last safe date to cast your ballot is November 26.
yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/wearetheu...
yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/wearetheu...
UCU Rising replacement ballot request / I've voted form
This form allows UCU higher education members to request a replacement ballot for the UCU Rising industrial action ballots, or to self-report that they have already voted.
yoursay.ucu.org.uk
October 27, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Need a replacement ballot? You can request one now through November 23. Don’t wait too long—make sure your vote counts! Last safe date to cast your ballot is November 26.
yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/wearetheu...
yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/wearetheu...
Reposted by Sean Wallis
We need to combine our local fight @leicesterucu.bsky.social with our national fight @ucu.org.uk for maximum impact.
Ten Reasons to Vote YES in the UCU ballot ucusolidaritymovement.org/2025/10/25/h...
1. It is a vote against pay and job cuts
2. We need a UK-wide mandate to stand together
3. Staff pay has been falling as a proportion of expenditure
4. Pay is falling sharply in real terms
1. It is a vote against pay and job cuts
2. We need a UK-wide mandate to stand together
3. Staff pay has been falling as a proportion of expenditure
4. Pay is falling sharply in real terms
HE Ballot 2025
UCU began a formal industrial action ballot of members across the UK on Monday 20 October for 6 weeks. UCU is calling for: a pay uplift that is at least RPI + 3.5% or £2,500, whichever is the high…
ucusolidaritymovement.org
October 28, 2025 at 9:36 AM
We need to combine our local fight @leicesterucu.bsky.social with our national fight @ucu.org.uk for maximum impact.
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Women in Iceland on #strike marking 50ys since the large women's strike
Focus on stopping violence against women and domestic violence
And on low paid jobs in care. Improving wages here needed to ensure closing the gender pay gap
@epsu.bsky.social
@strikemap.org
Focus on stopping violence against women and domestic violence
And on low paid jobs in care. Improving wages here needed to ensure closing the gender pay gap
@epsu.bsky.social
@strikemap.org
‘Still work to be done’: Iceland marks 50 years since Women’s Day Off protests
President says country is not free from feminist backlash being seen around world
www.theguardian.com
October 25, 2025 at 6:25 AM
Women in Iceland on #strike marking 50ys since the large women's strike
Focus on stopping violence against women and domestic violence
And on low paid jobs in care. Improving wages here needed to ensure closing the gender pay gap
@epsu.bsky.social
@strikemap.org
Focus on stopping violence against women and domestic violence
And on low paid jobs in care. Improving wages here needed to ensure closing the gender pay gap
@epsu.bsky.social
@strikemap.org
Reposted by Sean Wallis
I’m old enough to remember when everybody agreed that higher education was a “market” and offering “choice” was how the universities were meant to grow
on.ft.com/3WTwBue
on.ft.com/3WTwBue
October 27, 2025 at 7:32 AM
I’m old enough to remember when everybody agreed that higher education was a “market” and offering “choice” was how the universities were meant to grow
on.ft.com/3WTwBue
on.ft.com/3WTwBue
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Great timing re essentially dismantling the CDC then. Especially as birds are so notoriously sedentary.
This ‘minor’ bird flu strain has potential to spark human pandemic
Experiments suggests H9N2 has adapted to human cells but cases of person-to-person transmission haven’t been reported yet.
www.nature.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Great timing re essentially dismantling the CDC then. Especially as birds are so notoriously sedentary.
Reposted by Sean Wallis
Don’t just take it from us- Richard Wild, branch co-chair at Greenwich, explains why he’s voting YES to change the future of higher education in the UK.
💌 Why are you voting YES? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️
#WeAreTheUniversity
💌 Why are you voting YES? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️
#WeAreTheUniversity
October 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Don’t just take it from us- Richard Wild, branch co-chair at Greenwich, explains why he’s voting YES to change the future of higher education in the UK.
💌 Why are you voting YES? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️
#WeAreTheUniversity
💌 Why are you voting YES? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️
#WeAreTheUniversity