Covid Update
Vice Chancellors statement 26/2/2020
Following the introduction of the Government Road map to recovery and following Department of Education guidance, the Vice Chancellor announced that there will be no imminent change to current plans for students return to the University: https://www.cam.ac.uk/coronavirus/students/guidance-for-all-students/february-2021-plans-for-lent-term-easter-vacation-and-easter-term-2021. Subject to further guidance, it is hoped the majority of students will return during the Easter Term.
Lateral flow testing
The University is to stop offering lateral flow testing kits. Apparently the kits, which enabled staff to self-administer a Covid virus test, are considered to be too unreliable.
2021 Pay Negotiations
Formal Dispute
In partnership with sister unions, Unite has registered a formal national dispute with the combined university negotiating body (UCEA) over their failure to offer a 2021 pay rise. Unite remains a central part of the national framework negotiating body (JNCHES).
Unite Survey on Pay
We will shortly be receiving a pay and conditions survey from our National Officer, Siobhan Endean, and the Unite JNCHES negotiating team. Their aim is to ensure that the team is correctly representing the needs and wishes of Unite members. Please do complete it.
Unite Cambridge University Branch Elections
Date of elections
Unite National office has announced that the election of branch officers, which was delayed due to the Covid crisis, will take place in July 2021.
Retirements
Branch Chair
Our Branch Chair, Andrew Moss is to retire in July. Andrew has served as a University trade union negotiator for over 25 years. Firstly as President of the Association of Cambridge University Assistants (ACUA), which he led into merger with Amicus (later to become Unite) in 2005, and then as Chair of the merged branch. Known for his forthright style of negotiation, he will be much missed.
Long Serving Unite Representative
We would like to thank retiring workplace representative Fiona Blows for her many years of unwavering support. Fiona, who enjoys amateur dramatics, has always been a star during roleplay situations. Fiona is looking forward to spending time with her new grandchild. Fiona will certainly be missed and we wish her all the best for the future
Cambridge Housing Project
We spotted the above article in the Cambridge News. Is this an opportunity for the University to at last offer affordable housing to lower paid employees? The land is green belt so there is likely to be some opposition. Tell us what you think at CUBranch@unitetheunion.org.
Link To Copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13_x2JcwfnJgzpkcsk-04e4ThtH73rRZEzKySeU3VSKk/edit?usp=sharing