UCU: Combating gendered bullying, intimidation, and barriers to progression

Motion

Motion title: Combating gendered bullying, intimidation, and barriers to progression

Motion text: Congress notes:
1. Bullying, intimidation, and career stagnation are structural issues for
identifying women in post-16 education, alongside race, disability, sexuality,
and class discrimination and pay gaps, precarious contracts
2. Ongoing failure of employers to challenge damaging and discriminatory
workplace cultures
3. Fear of retaliation prevent many from reporting abuses against a context of
rising sexual harassment and misogyny, both online and in person
Congress believes all post-16 education employers must be held accountable for
fostering toxic cultures.
Congress resolves:
a. To campaign with NUS and external advocacy groups for mandatory,
independent anti-bullying policies and legally enforceable protections across
all post-16 institutions, ensuring accountability and transparent reporting
structures.
b. To demand career progression audits to expose and address discrimination in
promotions, contracts, and leadership appointments.
c. To organise a National Day of Action to highlight the issue in post-16
education and demand structural change.