UCU: Addressing institutional racism in our union

Motion

Motion text: Congress notes:
1. Unite UCU's dispute and ballot announced 18 April 2024 over:
a. workplace and institutional racism
b. breach of recognition
2. Black Members Standing Committee's ongoing boycott of UCU due to institutional racism experienced by members and staff.
Congress believes
a. Black members' trust in the union has been eroded and needs to be rebuilt
b. UCU should model the workplace practices we advocate for our members.
Congress resolves to:
i. send solidarity to Unite UCU and BMSC
ii. call on the GS to:
a. ensure meaningful involvement from BMSC and Unite in independent investigation into institutional racism, including agreeing TORs
b. agree to Unite's proposed resolutions: Withdraw dismissal-related procedures against Black staff; An independent investigation into workplace culture and organisation; Respect recognition agreement with Unite
iii. ensure Black member network mailing lists and blog are: updated and appropriately resourced; accessible for BMSC to actively communicate Black members' issues and UCU schemes benefitting Black members.