UCU: Defending the academic contract and working conditions in higher education

Motion

Motion title: Defending the academic contract and working conditions in higher education

Motion text: Conference notes:
1. London South Bank University's 'Academic Transformation' proposes unilateral changes to academic contracts and removes collective bargaining rights for most academic staff.
Conference believes these proposals:
a. represent a major attack on the academic profession, the national contract, the recognised trade union, and the Trade Union Recognition Agreement.
b. mark a shift towards an employment model that undermines professional autonomy, academic freedom and nationally agreed terms and conditions
c. signal a broader sector-wide downgrading of higher education and its academic workforce, with implications extending beyond LSBU.
Conference resolves to:
i. declare the 'Academic Transformation' a dispute of national significance
ii. call on UCU to:
I. immediately launch a coordinated national campaign to defend the academic contract and union recognition
II. ensure branches receive the full support of national representatives to respond to attacks to the academic contract, collective bargaining rights, and union recognition.