Christina Paine (London Metropolitan University)

Election address

All job losses are redundancies. The scourge of casualisation unites us all.

The fight is on. Universities must address pay, safety, workload, casualisation and equalities.

University Lecturers live in an uncertain world. We came into education to inspire young people and give them hope. Yet, summers bring dread. Rent or mortgages are unaffordable. We struggle to put food on the table or provide for our families. We suffer enormous strains on our mental health.

The Covid pandemic, Tory pay freeze; and pandemic job losses are exacerbating insecurity and the intersecting equalities issues. As a casualised, female and disabled candidate standing for this post - and as the sitting NEC member - I experience daily how insecurity and a broken career intersect with equalities issues. I campaign actively (and promote collective approaches to) equality and anti-casualisation. As ACC vice-chair I have fought tirelessly to ensure our union takes up these issues - and industrial action:

• campaigning for maternity pay for casualised staff
• campaigning for equal pay
• campaigning on sexual harassment
• defending the rights of disabled members
• supporting low-paid black and migrant workers - including campaigns waged by sister unions

As an associate lecturer at London Metropolitan University, I have played a leading role- in determinedly keeping our union branch functioning during repeated crises; the campaign to "Save the Cass Art School"; initiating an academic boycott over workloads and casualisation - resulting in an agreement at ACAS; and on health and safety issues.

I have significantly raised the profile of casualisation - including The World Transformed conference; in the media, (the Guardian, Sunday Times andTimes Higher Educational Supplement);and on social networks.  I have fought for issues of casualisation and equality in our national disputes. I have raised many motions on casualisation and equalities at NEC and HEC (consulting with members), notably leading to the Fund the Future Campaign. I have organised national training on casualisation and equalities and supported campaigns  - across UCU and across our sister unions and communities.

My efforts are recognised by the former branch secretary of the IWGB, on the successful inhouse campaign at Senate House: "Christina has been a constant indefatigable presence...She has achieved more for the rights of casualised staff than any other UCU person I know". christinapaine.com 

If re-elected to the NEC, I will continue to:

• consult with members and fight for decent pay and conditions for all staff
• build a National Campaign and industrial action on Covid 19 and Equality
• build our anti-casualisation and equality campaigns
• strengthen our bargaining position by encouraging casualised staff to join UCU
• oppose government scapegoating of migrant and disabled people
• build a movement to change our education system, and transform our society.

This is not just possible. It is wholly necessary.