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The Open University branch of the University and College Union

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Learning and Teaching Principles in the OU: The Need for Safeguards!

Copy of an email to all OU UCU members, 22 January 2018

This email is to ensure that all OU UCU members are fully aware of proposed changes to learning and teaching being discussed at Senate on 24th January 2018.

Senate will be discussing a set of Learning and Teaching Principles that will drive an implementation plan.

22nd January 2018
Denzil de Souza, Equality Officer, OU branch of UCU

UCU Equality Conference - November 2017

This year (2017) the Conference took place at the Novotel Birmingham Centre from Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th November 2017. The format of the conference, was the same as last year’s and sub-divided into four separate sub-conferences, one for each equality group:

9th January 2018
OU Branch of UCU festive heart

UCU view on the VC's email

We wish our members and all at the OU a good and well deserved holiday.   

A number of you have contacted us about the VC's message of 11th December, and we would like to share some points made by UCU reps and other members.

21st December 2017
Universities Superannuation Scheme

USS dispute - FAQs on UCU website

UCU have added some Frequently asked questions over the USS dispute.

Under pressure from UCU, talks with Universities UK are happening on 14th and 15th December. However the employers still refuse to meet beyond 18 December so please post back your ballot paper if you haven't already done so.

FAQs on the UCU website: www.ucu.org.uk/uss-dispute-questions

15th December 2017
Universities Superannuation Scheme

UCU ballot for the USS dispute

Voting papers have been sent out today (29th November 2017), in the ballot for industrial action over proposals to end guaranteed pension payments in the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

If you have not received your paper ballot paper by Monday 4th December use the UCU online form to order a replacement.

29th November 2017

OU branch of UCU new Executive Committee and President

The results of our election for a new Branch President were announced at the AGM on Tuesday 14th November, Lesley Kane is our new President. The branch presented Pauline Collins with a leaving card and gift and thanked her for her time as Branch President for the past 5 years.

View the Returning Officer's report

New Executive Committee is now on the Exec Committee page.

15th November 2017
OU Branch of UCU AL reps committee

OU announcement on new AL contract negotiations

The following text is on the OU intranet about the negotiations towards a new Associate Lecturer contract, 26 October 2017.

The Management and Trades Union sides met on 3 October 2017 and have agreed to aim to conclude negotiations on a new contract for Associate Lecturers by Easter 2018. The key aim has been to provide job security without the continual interviewing and re-interviewing as modules change.

27th October 2017
OU Branch of UCU Executive Committee

Branch election closes 2nd November at 12noon

OU Branch UCU Election of Branch President

Members have been sent a ballot email for the election for a new Branch President. The election opened on 11th October and will close at 12noon on Thursday 2nd November in order for the results to be announced at the AGM on 14th November 2017.

12th October 2017
Use your vote in the USS consultative ballot

Use your vote in the USS Consultative ballot

UCU is holding a consultative ballot of its members because our USS pension trustees claim that a further 6.6% increase in contributions is required to maintain existing pension benefits at their current level.  Universities say they will not pay any more, which means the Defined Benefit scheme could close, benefits for younger members would be cut, and those nearer retirement would need to work longer than expected.

This is a critical moment. UCU's elected negotiators need your help now as they fight to defend your pension.

4th October 2017
Union Learn with the TUC

Branch is looking for Union Learn reps

The OU relies absolutely on its staff, and those staff need access to first class training and professional development in order to serve the University to the best of their abilities whilst forging a fulfilling and successful career.  To make sure that this happens, particularly in the context of the Students First change programme, UCU is introducing a number of new ‘Learning Rep’ roles and looking for volunteers from within the membership to fill them.
 
The Role
The main responsibilities of the role will be:

25th September 2017

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