1. General Meeting Wednesday 15 October 1pm
We have a General Meeting coming up. This will be an opportunity to discuss the national cross-union industrial action ballot as well as what the branch has been working on locally. We will also be circulating at least one motion next week, for discussion and vote at the meeting.
2. University Research Institutes Restructure and Redundancies
Many of you will have seen news about the proposed restructure of the University Research Institutes: Brigstow, Elizabeth Blackwell, Jane Golding and Cabot. The restructures are driven by a perceived need to pool and reduce staff in an effort to make the institutes more resilient and ‘agile’, as well as saving money. Specifically, overall professional services staff in the institutes would be cut by nearly 20%. It would also mean that the only professional services staff working for a specific institute would be the Manager. All other staff would work across the institutes.
We acknowledge some of the logic behind the pooling of resources. Nevertheless, we believe that the restructures as proposed, apart from putting several valued colleagues at risk of redundancy, threaten the identity and capacity of the institutes. As these four institutes are often some of the most externally visible parts of the university, engaging with stakeholders locally, nationally and internationally, we see a risk of weakening our civic mission. We encourage academic communities surrounding the institutes to respond collectively. If you know some of the many people at risk of losing their jobs, do also reach out to them to express your support. We are working with affected staff on a collective response to the consultation.
3. Staff Welcome and Engagement Event
Whether you are a long-standing member of staff or student, or new to Bristol, consider stopping in at the next UoB annual Staff Welcome and Engagement Eventto meet and chat with UCU Branch Officers and reps. We will be there and available from 12-2pm to answer questions and chat through issues with you. November 6th, Great Hall of Wills Memorial Building. Booking required via Develop.