SUCU Branch News 18 June 2015

Pay offer: consultative ballot now open

Members should by now have received an email with a link to the consultative ballot on the final pay offer for 2015-16 of 1% from university employers. If you’ve not yet received a ballot email contact campaigns@ucu.org.uk. HE sector conference debated the final offer and resolved that UCU should call for members to REJECT the offer, and to vote YES for strike action and YES to action short of a strike in furtherance of the dispute. Further information on the HE pay negotiations can be found here.

Member surgery 24 June

There are some appointment slots available at our surgery on the 24 June, 10.30 to 12.30 for individual members seeking advice about an employment issue Volunteer UCU colleagues from within the Branch who have received casework training will be offering confidential help and advice. If you would like to book an individual appointment please email ucu@sheffield.ac.uk. Please note that members are not normally eligible for help in the first three months of membership. Read more about SUCU assistance here.

End austerity now! People’s Assembly demo in London, 20 June

Its anticipated that thousands of people will be joining the protests against austerity at People’s Assembly demonstration in London on 20 June. UCU members are encouraged to make plans to attend. Transport arrangements including coaches from Sheffield.

Maternity rights and shared parental leave

Members may be interested in 2 new briefings produced by UCU.

Maternity rights for fixed term contacts and casually employed staff covers what constitutes fixed term, employees’ rights in relation to pregnancy and maternity and how to negotiate a policy.
Shared parental leave guidance includes what the new provisions mean for parents from 5 April 2015, objectives of shared parental leave, an overview of key provisions and shared parental pay.

Sheffield Palestine Education Network 22nd June, 5pm

Guest speaker Steve Kinneavy will be talking, with photographs, about his recent house-rebuilding trip to Palestine. Venue: Room 221 of the Owen Building, Sheffield Hallam City Campus, 5-7pm.