UCU members striking in 2022. Photo: Roger Thomas
UCU members striking in 2022. Photo: Roger Thomas

UCU rep

The University and College Union (UCU) National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 21 June, just weeks before the general election, when we face an unprecedented crisis in post-16 education. 

The left has a majority on the NEC following the latest union elections. This means there is a real responsibility to fight for a serious strategy on the issues members will face under the next government.

Motions were passed supporting trans rights and opposing the far right. Unfortunately, the need for unions to take steps towards a working-class political alternative that would greatly assist the fight on these issues was not mentioned in these motions.

The NEC debated finance and staffing, which relates to the current dispute of Unite members working for UCU. The president and legal advisers of the union strongly opposed debate in the NEC on these issues. 

General Secretary Jo Grady reported correctly that the Labour manifesto offers nothing to address the crisis in post-16 education. However, no fighting strategy to win concessions from Labour was proposed, and no opportunity was given for genuine questions. 

The need for the left to organise and build amongst UCU members to effectively put pressure on the leadership, and to challenge for key positions in the leadership, is very clear.