We are the University: ballots are coming, get ready to vote

All over the UK we are ramping up momentum, building towards ballot papers being dispatched to you by post on Monday.

When you vote YES next week, it will be a vote for the future of our university sector.

A vote for a proper pay rise.

A vote for job security.

A vote for fairer workloads. 

On Tuesday 14 October we held an inspiring solidarity session, as leaders from across the trade union movement came together and gave us their backing. The broadcast was viewed thousands of times across our platforms. You can watch it back here.

Following the live session, I was straight into the BBC studios. I used my appearance on Newsnight to expose how the Tories mishandled the Covid crisis in universities and colleges. You can watch a clip here or watch the full programme on BBC iPlayer.

We have been organising meetings, briefing branches, sharing content and ensuring we are ready for what will be a huge week for our members.

Next week ballot papers will start to land with members. What better way to come together than joining us for a vital live broadcast? On Tuesday 21 October (19:00) we will set out exactly what is at stake in this ballot and we will also take your questions. We can't wait to find out who is first to vote! 

You can join that broadcast live here.

I will be out and about all week meeting members, in London, Brighton and Nottingham. On the evening of Thursday 23 October (20:00) I will be live on LBC for an hour taking questions from the public. I would really love to hear about the state of the sector from UCU members. We will share details of how to contact the show early next week.

We need all hands to the pump. We can only win this ballot if everyone pulls together. Meetings, media, social media, broadcasts--we have to do it all. But we also need you to play your role. One-to-one discussions are crucial. It is you persuading your colleagues in the workplace that secure ballot wins.

So vote YES and then make sure your colleagues do the same.

Remember: We are the University. 

Vote early. Vote YES. We can do this. 

in solidarity

Jo Grady
UCU general secretary