Loughborough UCU

Tag: Nottingham

  • Solidarity with University of Nottingham UCU

    You may have seen in the past few months notable politicians and chief executives concern about what the University of Nottingham is proposing. This will see closures of some nursing, ending music degrees and will leave East Midlands with no provision of degrees in modern languages. On top of this, and despite evidence of extreme workload pressures, the plan is to pile even more work on anyone who remains. 

    This week Nottingham University branch are starting their extended industrial action in defence of the hundreds of jobs at risk and these course closures. UCU has worked with lots of supporters to put forward alternate plans showing a real financial alternative seeing no job or course losses. Alas the University have deemed the alternative is not viable and are pressing ahead with their destructive plans. The University Council are making their decision whether to go with the senior leaders’ proposals on 1st October. 

    It is appreciated that you are likely to be in work but equally you may have some time to spare or know of others who may be able to help.

    Nottingham University members will be striking on 30th September and 1st October and again from 5th October up to mid-December. Your support would be greatly appreciated. 

    On 30th September at 12 noon, supporters are asked to assemble at the Portland Building steps to pick up leaflets about the rally to hand out around the campus. This rally is to demonstrate to Council how widespread the plans are opposed. 

    On 1st October pickets will be on the line (main gates)  from 8.30 and moving to the rally at 12 O Clock outside Trent Building.

    If you can spare any time to either help with the leafleting, attending the rally or dropping by to give solidarity on the picket line please do so.

    Details of further pickets and rallies will be out soon. 

  • LUCU Annual General Meeting 2026

    The LUCU Annual General Meeting took place on Wednesday 1st July 2026, immediately following our branch social event, where members and branch officers enjoyed Indian street food and the opportunity to spend time together in an informal setting. It was great to see members coming together socially before turning to the formal business of the branch.

    The AGM began with a presentation from Professor Lopa Leach, President of the University of Nottingham UCU branch. Professor Leach spoke about the challenges currently facing colleagues at the University of Nottingham and outlined how their branch has responded to those issues. Members then had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the similarities and differences between the experiences of staff at both institutions.

    In the Chair’s report, members heard reflections on the broader challenges facing higher education and trade unions, alongside an overview of local issues affecting staff at Loughborough University. Particular attention was given to recent restructuring activity, redundancy processes, collective bargaining matters, and the branch’s work supporting members through a period of significant change. The report also highlighted the branch’s contribution to national UCU policy discussions, engagement with issues surrounding artificial intelligence and sustainability, and the importance of solidarity and collective action.

    The meeting formally recognised the work of branch representatives, committee members and caseworkers who have supported members throughout the year. Special thanks were given to Alec Edworthy for his long-standing service and contribution to the branch.

    The Treasurer presented the branch’s annual accounts and answered questions from members. The financial report was received by the meeting.

    The AGM also confirmed the branch committee for the 2026–27 academic year. The following members were elected unopposed and will take up office on 1st August 2026:

    • Chair: David Wilson
    • Vice Chair: Angela Dy
    • Treasurer: Jonathan Causton
    • Branch Secretary: Anthony Kevins
    • Equality Officer: Marco Pino
    • Health, Safety & Environment Officer: Alec Edworthy
    • Green Representative: Marianna Coulentianos
    • Ordinary Committee Members: David Saal, Ruth Kinna, Scott Fernie, Anaïs Carlton-Parada and Andy Woodhouse

    Several officer positions remain vacant, and members interested in becoming more involved in the branch are encouraged to speak with a committee member or the Branch Organiser.

    Members also received an update on the Professional Services Restructure. During the discussion, there was support for sharing as much information as possible with members regarding proposals and responses, subject to any restrictions on what can be released.

    With no further business raised, the meeting was closed.

    Members who would like a copy of the official AGM minutes can request them by emailing the branch.

  • West Bridgford LUCU Social

    West Bridgford LUCU Social

    All LUCU members, friends and family welcome and particularly for people who live around Nottingham, local members will be grabbing a drink on Friday 22 May, at 7 p.m. at the Stratford Haven in West Bridgford.

    No need to RSVP per se, but if you can let Anthony Kevins know you’re planning to come, he can see about trying to reserve tables if the numbers warrant it.

  • Inaugural Agnes Flues Annual Memorial Lecture

    Delivered by: Mick Lynch (RMT Secretary-General)and introduced by Jo Grady (UCU General Secretary).
    Date: Thursday 24 Apr 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
    Venue: Lecture Theatre A1, University of Nottingham Medical School, NG7 2UH.

    In August 2024, Agnes Flues, University of Nottingham University and College Union (UCU) Branch President from 2020 to 2023 and a member of the UCU national executive committee from 2023 onwards, died prematurely. A principled trade unionist through and through, she was fearless in challenging management and courageous in leading industrial action at the University of Nottingham (UoN). To honour her memory, the local UCU branch at UoN have established an Annual Agnes Flues Memorial Lecture series on trade union issues, human rights and labour laws.

    We are pleased to announce that Mick Lynch, the General Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), will give the first Agnes Flues Annual Memorial Lecture on 24th April 2025. Mick Lynch is well known for his outspoken advocacy for workers’ rights and social justice. He has led multiple strikes of rail workers contesting forcefully employers and the government alike. There could be no more fitting person to open this annual lecture series. He will be introduced by Jo Grady, General Secretary of UCU.

    This will be a ticketed event. Please follow this link to get your tickets. Donations are entirely optional. If you are asked for a code to get a ticket please contact ucu@lboro.ac.uk.