UCU: Campaigning against victimisation of UCL UCU branch secretary Tony Brown

Motion

Motion title: Campaigning against victimisation of UCL UCU branch secretary Tony Brown

Motion text: Congress notes that:
1. an employment tribunal panel has unanimously found that UCL UCU branch secretary Tony Brown was victimised by UCL management for carrying out trade union activities
2. the trade union activities were setting up an opt-out email list for staff to use in response to management imposed restrictions
3. UCL has appealed the case to the EAT
4. UCU Congress 2017 reaffirmed strong support for members subject to victimisation by their employer.

Congress believes:
a. an injury to one is an injury to all
b. freedom of association is a fundamental right that supports collective bargaining
c. this is a test case on the right of trade unions to use email facilities to organise at work.

Congress:
i. calls on the NEC to declare this matter a dispute of national significance
ii. instructs the NEC to support UCL UCU to publicise the case and seek practical and financial solidarity.