Further to our previous discussions at the quorate branch meeting on 6th February, I am also writing to update you on matters discussed there and since: As you know, the branch has been in intense discussions with senior management since July/August to stave off the threats of redundancy at the University of Reading. We have also contested the non-implementation of the nationally negotiated pay increase (delay of 11 months), engaged in negotiations re: the scale, scope and terms of the “targeted” voluntary redundancy scheme, and had other important discussions around averting the closure of Chemistry. During this time, we have repeatedly requested the VC to confirm that there will be no compulsory redundancies especially given that staff and students have repeatedly borne the costs when management has proposed cuts. The VC has previously told us that he is unable to provide such an assurance about taking compulsory redundancies off the table.
So when we met the senior management team that forms the consultation group on 4th February, your negotiating team – taking into consideration a range of factors – tabled formally a proposal for no compulsory redundancies until Dec 31, 2025. While we do not accept the premise that redundancies are the correct way for management to address the shortfall created by unrealistic management projections in budgets or other factors, we have specific technical reasons for making this proposal and selecting this date as the timeline for the assurance we request in respect of compulsory redundancies. I will specifically address this timing matter at the branch meeting on Tuesday, as it is useful that we are all on the same page in this regard and that members are fully appraised of the pros and cons of various options we have considered. The VC had agreed at the consultation meeting of 4th February to provide a prompt response to us in the next days. I have since contacted him a week after that meeting, to request an update, and was promised one by the end of this week. I will of course inform members immediately if I find out that our request has been met.
The window for voluntary redundancy applications in Chemistry and in other departments has now passed. Your negotiators are aware, that the branch must be in a position to respond promptly and effectively, should the prospect of compulsory redundancies suddenly make an appearance. At the quorate 6th Feb meeting, the branch therefore passed an important Defend Our Jobs motion to surmount some of the organising obstacles placed by the anti-trade union legislation in our way. The further measures proposed by this motion are important because there are a number of simple and complex steps that need to be undertaken by RUCU before industrial action to defend members can be undertaken lawfully under both UCU internal procedure and UK trade union laws. We do not want to be caught out, should compulsory redundancies suddenly surface.
Any industrial action will only be taken by our members, after a successful ballot, and if it is absolutely necessary. We would want such action to be well-justified, well-timed, well-supported and effective. We continue to take pride in being reasonable, open and patient in our negotiations with senior management and to contribute constructively to the process. I hope you will agree that we must now be prepared and vigilant at this time, especially because we are concerned about the speed at which further adverse events could now potentially unfold.