Ann Gow (University of Glasgow)

Ann Gow (University of Glasgow) 

Election address 

I am a Professor in Information Studies at the University of Glasgow with extensive experience in UCU leadership and activism. Having worked on precarious contracts early in my career, I understand firsthand the challenges facing UCU members in Scotland. My service includes 10+ years as Branch Secretary and roles as Casualised Staff & Equality representative.  

Currently serving as UK HE Elected member of NEC, I previously held the position of UCU Scotland President (2017-19) and spent 12 years as a UCUS officer. I played a key role organizing the 2018 & 2019 strikes, leading rallies across Scotland and building support through engagement with politicians and student groups. I've actively participated in the Scottish Government Working group "Equally Safe in HE," working to combat gender-based violence in higher education.  

At Glasgow, I've led successful campaigns and negotiations, including:  

• Resolving a collective grievance over performance management  

• Securing a no compulsory redundancies commitment  

• Eliminating zero hours contracts and developing the Extended Workforce policy  

My experience as a caseworker has shown how managerial approaches in higher education negatively impact staff through increased workloads, stress, and limited career development. Casualization particularly affects women's ability to challenge discrimination and unfair treatment. I believe in collective action as the most effective response to these challenges.  

I prioritise:  

• Encouraging broad member participation in campaigns  

• Advocating for education's positive role in society  

• Supporting effective strike action to achieve clear objectives  

• Addressing key issues including equality, job security, workload, pay, and pensions  

• Making union participation more accessible to all members  

Understanding the difficulties members face in participating in union activities, I focus on maximising engagement to achieve meaningful progress on daily challenges. I believe in strategic use of industrial action, mobilising members behind disputes with clear goals.  

 I support:  

• Chris O'Donnell for UCUS President  

• Dyfrig Jones for UCU Vice-President  

• Andrew Feeney for Treasurer