UCU: Mergers on the dancefloor

Motion

Motion text: Congress notes:
1. Merger between City, University of London and St George’s, University of London – due 1 August 2024.
2. Negotiations were between Councils of both institutions, with limited communications/ updates to staff.
3. HESA reported 55% of 267 Higher Education institutions recorded deficit in 2021-22.
Congress believes:
a. We need to prepare for further mergers of institutions.
b. Involvement of trade unions should be prioritised, including openness and transparency in mergers/ proceedings.
c. There are recruitment opportunities in being prepared and supporting staff through mergers and building an even stronger union.
Congress calls on:
i. UCU to prepare guidance and resources for reps on supporting TUPE processes, with case studies.
ii. UCU to provide briefings for members on TUPE proceedings.
iii. Regional training to be organised for affected branches for reps and UCU members.
iv. UCU to argue for increased transparency and Union involvement in mergers to avoid future situations experienced by City and St George’s.