Dharminder Singh Chuhan (Sandwell College of FHE)

Dharminder Singh Chuhan (Sandwell College of FHE) 

Election address 

ESOL Lecturer, Sandwell College of FHE  

I started my career as a field archaeologist. I entered teaching because I enjoy supporting students' learning. However, it took me 8 years of working precariously before securing full time employment.  So, I have personal experience of the problems of casualization and strongly support the struggle for job security for all UCU members.  

FE needs transforming to train workers as the job market changes and workers enter new areas of employment.  The sector could make a major contribution to a green industrial revolution, preparing workers for climate change jobs. If all students regardless of class, race, gender, disability and sexual orientation are to have access to education, as is their right, it is essential that we keep the provision universal and inclusive. For this FE needs funding, which comes from a union prepared to take action for education.   

My approach to unionism is based on building up teams of activists and a strong local branch. Local branches need to be in touch via Regional Committees with other branches.  We face the same problems and can support each other in our campaigns and struggles.   

My work over a number of years as a branch organiser has given me an insight in to the needs of the rank-and-file membership.  With this experience my aim is to work constructively to make the union work for you and keep it democratic and accountable. We need to demonstrate that the presence of a trade union makes a real difference in the workplace.  

As branch chair at Sandwell, I have experience of:   

• Removal of walk-in observations  

• Negotiating on health and safety  

• Winning 3 weeks of extra holiday and a sector-leading pay deal with over 25% pay increases since 2017  

I am actively involved in anti-racist campaigning.  I am a member of UCU's Black Members' Standing Committee (BMSC). Over the last year I have campaigned for a ceasefire in Gaza.  I believe there is important work for UCU to do in supporting the growth of Black membership and leadership in our branches.  

It is vital in the current climate that the concerns of members are at the centre of the work carried out by UCU:  

• Redundancy and Pay freezes  

• Marketisation   

• Workload  
• Casualisation   
• Health and safety  

• Bullying and harassment  

As a UCU left backed candidate, I am committed to a branch-led approach to trade unionism: it is at this level that members must be equipped to defend our jobs and post-16 education provision itself.     

Trade union/Service:  

• 20 years main grade lecturer in FE (ESOL)  

• FE secretary (West Midlands regional committee)  

• Branch Chair