UCU: Defending the international character of the university workforce

Motion

Motion title: Defending the international character of the university workforce

Motion text: HESC notes:
the dependence of UK HE on academics from overseas
the importance to the vitality of UK HE of freedom of movement of academics internationally
current international job losses and subsequent mass resistance
government bailouts for bankers contrasting with refusal to protect jobs
strike action against contractors exploiting European legislation to undermine pay and conditions
HESC:
reiterates support for: equal pay (at the higher rate where workers from different countries are involved); binding national agreements negotiated by TUs; equal legal status for all regardless of nationality; workers' right to work abroad; academic freedom; and free interchange worldwide
condemns 'contracting out' and privatisation
applauds action to defend jobs but believes the slogan 'British jobs for British workers' only divides, undermines and even destroys academia, advantages the bosses, the BNP fascists and all those hostile to the trade union movement
notes the divisive and damaging effects of the PBSI (points based system of immigration) on the international movement of academics
condemns the requirements to monitor attendance of international students and staff as racist, an example of attempts to witch-hunt and is an attack on academic freedom of expression
commits UCU to campaign against monitoring of staff and students in higher education.