Durham UCU
@ducu.bsky.social
Pinned
Durham UCU
@ducu.bsky.social
· 11d
Strike ballot looms at Durham University over workloads and job insecurity
Staff at Durham University are moving towards a strike ballot after senior management refused to engage constructively with the union over untenable workloads and worsening job insecurity, UCU announc...
www.ucu.org.uk
Attention, DUCU! Ballot papers INCOMING! We're tired of being asked to do more & more for less & less, which has only gotten worse since the employer slashed >200 roles without protecting the workloads of those left. Vote YES to strike action! Vote YES to ASOS! (See today's member comm for more.)
Absolutely disgraceful; full solidarity with our colleagues in Sheffield. This reads a lot like an escalation of what some institutions - including ours - did after the MAB: demand the work we were docked pay for not doing then got done for free.
Well that’s me locked out. No pay for the foreseeable future, all because I refuse to reschedule lost teaching, for which I have already lost pay as part of the strike. Please donate to support @sheffielducu.bsky.social members like me at www.gofundme.com/f/heubvb-sup...
January 19, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Absolutely disgraceful; full solidarity with our colleagues in Sheffield. This reads a lot like an escalation of what some institutions - including ours - did after the MAB: demand the work we were docked pay for not doing then got done for free.
We are so, SO far past the point where it is even remotely acceptable for UKHE and the government to just keep insisting there's nothing that can be done, and forcing our colleagues and friends to pay for that total failure to act.
Short-termism kills knowledge.
It's government that provides the incentives for this drive to cut into a university's key resource, whatever the long-term harm. We need an overhaul of the financial & governance system of #UKHE.
It's government that provides the incentives for this drive to cut into a university's key resource, whatever the long-term harm. We need an overhaul of the financial & governance system of #UKHE.
UK Universities cut 13,300 jobs, paid £300m+ in redundancy.
Economic contribution of the HE sector, £265bn.
Systematically destroyed by govts - foreign students not welcome, cut real-term grants, fees, students burdened with debts, low staff pay/morale.
Govt want skilled labour.
archive.ph/favYt
Economic contribution of the HE sector, £265bn.
Systematically destroyed by govts - foreign students not welcome, cut real-term grants, fees, students burdened with debts, low staff pay/morale.
Govt want skilled labour.
archive.ph/favYt
January 19, 2026 at 11:35 AM
We are so, SO far past the point where it is even remotely acceptable for UKHE and the government to just keep insisting there's nothing that can be done, and forcing our colleagues and friends to pay for that total failure to act.
Do it, y'all! No matter how things go over the next six months, we're stronger with a mandate!
And it begins! Post your ballots ASAP, #ducu members!
Our workloads are rising & our jobs security isn’t.
We deserve better from management than just “no” to our reasonable requests and suggestions.
@ducu.bsky.social
@ucu.org.uk
Our workloads are rising & our jobs security isn’t.
We deserve better from management than just “no” to our reasonable requests and suggestions.
@ducu.bsky.social
@ucu.org.uk
January 19, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Do it, y'all! No matter how things go over the next six months, we're stronger with a mandate!
Reposted by Durham UCU
St Helens, Knowsley and Liverpool are out on the picket lines this morning.
FE staff have faced a 40% real-terms pay cut and are paid around £9,000 less for doing the same job.
That’s not fair and it’s not sustainable.
Show your support ✊
FE staff have faced a 40% real-terms pay cut and are paid around £9,000 less for doing the same job.
That’s not fair and it’s not sustainable.
Show your support ✊
January 16, 2026 at 11:51 AM
St Helens, Knowsley and Liverpool are out on the picket lines this morning.
FE staff have faced a 40% real-terms pay cut and are paid around £9,000 less for doing the same job.
That’s not fair and it’s not sustainable.
Show your support ✊
FE staff have faced a 40% real-terms pay cut and are paid around £9,000 less for doing the same job.
That’s not fair and it’s not sustainable.
Show your support ✊
Full solidarity with our Scottish comrades!
Ballots across Scotland from Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde, Stirling & Aberdeen are going in the post
Vote now Save jobs
Post your ballot (with or without a dog) (don't post the dog they're not covered by the prepaid stamp) @ucuscotland.bsky.social
#UCU #Scholar #GTVO #Heriot-Watt #dogsPostingBallots 🐕
Vote now Save jobs
Post your ballot (with or without a dog) (don't post the dog they're not covered by the prepaid stamp) @ucuscotland.bsky.social
#UCU #Scholar #GTVO #Heriot-Watt #dogsPostingBallots 🐕
January 13, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Full solidarity with our Scottish comrades!
Reposted by Durham UCU
For the new arrivals on this website now the other one has become even more of an abusive mess:
We made a starter pack!
It’s got all the formal branch and commitee presences we could find so far for #UCU - please let us know if your branch / regional committee / other formal elected committee is missing and we’ll do our best to keep it up to date! (No individuals on here) go.bsky.app/H8xiSXj
It’s got all the formal branch and commitee presences we could find so far for #UCU - please let us know if your branch / regional committee / other formal elected committee is missing and we’ll do our best to keep it up to date! (No individuals on here) go.bsky.app/H8xiSXj
January 13, 2026 at 10:54 AM
For the new arrivals on this website now the other one has become even more of an abusive mess:
Damn right we are!
Members of @ducu.bsky.social set to vote in industrial action ballot over workloads and job cuts www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ucu-cal... via @julietterowsell.bsky.social
UCU calls strike ballot at Durham over workload fears
Union says reduction in staff numbers has led to increased pressure but university warns potential industrial action lacks justification
www.timeshighereducation.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Damn right we are!
Reposted by Durham UCU
THEY'RE NOW ALSO TAKING DOWN GUARDIAN ARTICLES FROM OUR DOORS.
Nice freedom of expression we've got here. Not at all worrying censorship of trade union activities, international solidarity, and other organising.
Anyway, READ THE ARTICLE AGAIN THEN:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre... #UKHE
Nice freedom of expression we've got here. Not at all worrying censorship of trade union activities, international solidarity, and other organising.
Anyway, READ THE ARTICLE AGAIN THEN:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre... #UKHE
January 8, 2026 at 11:37 AM
THEY'RE NOW ALSO TAKING DOWN GUARDIAN ARTICLES FROM OUR DOORS.
Nice freedom of expression we've got here. Not at all worrying censorship of trade union activities, international solidarity, and other organising.
Anyway, READ THE ARTICLE AGAIN THEN:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre... #UKHE
Nice freedom of expression we've got here. Not at all worrying censorship of trade union activities, international solidarity, and other organising.
Anyway, READ THE ARTICLE AGAIN THEN:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre... #UKHE
Attention, DUCU! Ballot papers INCOMING! We're tired of being asked to do more & more for less & less, which has only gotten worse since the employer slashed >200 roles without protecting the workloads of those left. Vote YES to strike action! Vote YES to ASOS! (See today's member comm for more.)
Strike ballot looms at Durham University over workloads and job insecurity
Staff at Durham University are moving towards a strike ballot after senior management refused to engage constructively with the union over untenable workloads and worsening job insecurity, UCU announc...
www.ucu.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Attention, DUCU! Ballot papers INCOMING! We're tired of being asked to do more & more for less & less, which has only gotten worse since the employer slashed >200 roles without protecting the workloads of those left. Vote YES to strike action! Vote YES to ASOS! (See today's member comm for more.)
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate :)
December 25, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate :)
Reposted by Durham UCU
Solidarity to @northumbriauni.bsky.social staff, told they must move to a pension scheme widely considered worse or face a pay freeze (against UK-wide bargaining). United as unions, they can beat it (& deter other employers from trying similar). Post those ballots, & join if you’re not a member!
The only thing cooler than this post box? Posting your vote in the @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social local ballot to stop a pay freeze @northumbriauni.bsky.social!
December 22, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Solidarity to @northumbriauni.bsky.social staff, told they must move to a pension scheme widely considered worse or face a pay freeze (against UK-wide bargaining). United as unions, they can beat it (& deter other employers from trying similar). Post those ballots, & join if you’re not a member!
Reposted by Durham UCU
@northumbriauni.bsky.social want to freeze our pay unless we move pension? @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social say #Wham bam no thank you man! @ucu.org.uk @ducu.bsky.social @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @umucu.bsky.social @uswucu.bsky.social @chroniclelive.co.uk @danhollandnews.bsky.social
December 19, 2025 at 12:05 PM
@northumbriauni.bsky.social want to freeze our pay unless we move pension? @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social say #Wham bam no thank you man! @ucu.org.uk @ducu.bsky.social @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @umucu.bsky.social @uswucu.bsky.social @chroniclelive.co.uk @danhollandnews.bsky.social
It might be that Birmingham have been uniquely foolish in their handling of this situation, but it's worth noting that management failing to take overwork, stress and burnout seriously is a sector-wide problem, and only getting worse as universities slash staff costs.
Oh hey it finally made the media, only a week after the letter was actually sent.
FWIW despite being legally obliged to share with all staff, he so far hasn't.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/birming...
FWIW despite being legally obliged to share with all staff, he so far hasn't.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/birming...
Birmingham reprimanded over its management of work-related stress
Investigation by Health and Safety Executive found institution ‘does not have appropriate arrangements in place’ to manage burnout among staff
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:19 AM
It might be that Birmingham have been uniquely foolish in their handling of this situation, but it's worth noting that management failing to take overwork, stress and burnout seriously is a sector-wide problem, and only getting worse as universities slash staff costs.
Go get 'em!
@ucu.org.uk @ducu.bsky.social @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @umucu.bsky.social @qmucu.bsky.social @uswucu.bsky.social @northeastbylines.co.uk @chroniclelive.co.uk
LOCAL BALLOT OPENS TODAY @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social.
VOTE YES-YES TO SAVE PAY AND PENSIONS (and to stop more silly songs like this)...
VOTE YES-YES TO SAVE PAY AND PENSIONS (and to stop more silly songs like this)...
December 15, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Go get 'em!
Reposted by Durham UCU
@ucunorthumbria.bsky.social ballot opens next week to stop a pay freeze @northumbriauni.bsky.social. Just getting in early, ya filthy animals... @ucu.org.uk @ducu.bsky.social @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @umucu.bsky.social @uswucu.bsky.social
December 12, 2025 at 4:32 PM
@ucunorthumbria.bsky.social ballot opens next week to stop a pay freeze @northumbriauni.bsky.social. Just getting in early, ya filthy animals... @ucu.org.uk @ducu.bsky.social @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @umucu.bsky.social @uswucu.bsky.social
Reposted by Durham UCU
Here's a musical message for all @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social members, and those @northumbriauni.bsky.social who want to freeze their pay! @ucu.org.uk @ducu.bsky.social @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @umucu.bsky.social
December 11, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Here's a musical message for all @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social members, and those @northumbriauni.bsky.social who want to freeze their pay! @ucu.org.uk @ducu.bsky.social @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @umucu.bsky.social
Reposted by Durham UCU
✊ Yesterday UCU members stood at Southampton Solent as the Board discussed a fire-and-rehire proposal that would weaken pensions.
UCU is clear: no to fire and rehire.
#SouthamptonSolent #UCU
UCU is clear: no to fire and rehire.
#SouthamptonSolent #UCU
December 10, 2025 at 10:09 AM
✊ Yesterday UCU members stood at Southampton Solent as the Board discussed a fire-and-rehire proposal that would weaken pensions.
UCU is clear: no to fire and rehire.
#SouthamptonSolent #UCU
UCU is clear: no to fire and rehire.
#SouthamptonSolent #UCU
Reposted by Durham UCU
VC loses confidence vote:
December 9, 2025 at 4:50 PM
VC loses confidence vote:
Reposted by Durham UCU
This is pulling the ladder up after them - it is SO vital and I came through a route that did precisely this for me. I then went on to a fully funding nurse training that gave me and my daughter enough to live off... Talk about removing ladders from poverty.
it's gutting to see access and widening participation initiatives being binned across the university sector. ELCE here at Bristol, Essex Pathways here. nothing pushes my personal, visceral buttons like the idea of denying academic study to someone whose life it could change
In yet more devastating news, the VC has confirmed her plans to cut 80% of academic staff from Essex Pathways, our foundation year department. This would effectively close down all our existing foundation year programmes through the back door.
But it's not a done deal yet. Please share urgently.
But it's not a done deal yet. Please share urgently.
December 8, 2025 at 9:14 AM
This is pulling the ladder up after them - it is SO vital and I came through a route that did precisely this for me. I then went on to a fully funding nurse training that gave me and my daughter enough to live off... Talk about removing ladders from poverty.
Reposted by Durham UCU
Always happy to welcome more friends into club-of-demanding-an-end-to-this-mess, but why does every VC see the light only *after* they retired and set aside all power & responsibility?
What is it in those VC bodies like UUK an UCEA that prevents them from acknowledging reality?
What is it in those VC bodies like UUK an UCEA that prevents them from acknowledging reality?
'The next Scottish government should “waste no time” in launching a review into how the nation’s post-16 education system is funded, a former vice-chancellor has said.'
The current Westminster government should do so now, the British Academy argues. 1/2
The current Westminster government should do so now, the British Academy argues. 1/2
Next Scottish government ‘should launch immediate funding review’
Holyrood politicians must look at size and shape of tertiary sector, and consider closer research ties with rest of UK, says Anton Muscatelli
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Always happy to welcome more friends into club-of-demanding-an-end-to-this-mess, but why does every VC see the light only *after* they retired and set aside all power & responsibility?
What is it in those VC bodies like UUK an UCEA that prevents them from acknowledging reality?
What is it in those VC bodies like UUK an UCEA that prevents them from acknowledging reality?
Reposted by Durham UCU
Join your trade union.
@ducu.bsky.social
@ducu.bsky.social
Why do you appreciate unions?
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
I’ll start:
Weekends off
Paid vacations
Work breaks
Sick leave
Paid holidays
No child labor
Safer working conditions
Health care and retirement benefits
December 6, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Join your trade union.
@ducu.bsky.social
@ducu.bsky.social
Awful, awful news. Full solidarity with UCU Essex in their fight to get this plan abandoned.
In yet more devastating news, the VC has confirmed her plans to cut 80% of academic staff from Essex Pathways, our foundation year department. This would effectively close down all our existing foundation year programmes through the back door.
But it's not a done deal yet. Please share urgently.
But it's not a done deal yet. Please share urgently.
December 8, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Awful, awful news. Full solidarity with UCU Essex in their fight to get this plan abandoned.
Despicable.
“Union-Busting Tactic”
The University of Sheffield argues staff who do not replace missed teaching due to strike action are in breach of contract, and so should forfeit an *additional* two weeks of pay.
#UKHE #AcademicSky
The University of Sheffield argues staff who do not replace missed teaching due to strike action are in breach of contract, and so should forfeit an *additional* two weeks of pay.
#UKHE #AcademicSky
University of Sheffield staff 'intimidated' by pay forfeit warning
University of Sheffield to withhold pay if staff do not make up for teaching missed while striking.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Despicable.
Reposted by Durham UCU
The insulting 1.4% pay offer from the universities on top of years of sub-inflation pay rises has led our members to vote for strike action in the 2025-26 pay round. The results are as follows:
Turnout: 54.39%
Yes: 83.16%
Against: 16.84%
We now have mandate for strike action!
Turnout: 54.39%
Yes: 83.16%
Against: 16.84%
We now have mandate for strike action!
December 3, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The insulting 1.4% pay offer from the universities on top of years of sub-inflation pay rises has led our members to vote for strike action in the 2025-26 pay round. The results are as follows:
Turnout: 54.39%
Yes: 83.16%
Against: 16.84%
We now have mandate for strike action!
Turnout: 54.39%
Yes: 83.16%
Against: 16.84%
We now have mandate for strike action!
I'd say what they think they're achieving here is exactly what they *are* achieving. Now they think they've won on what it means to be a woman biologically (despite that not being true either scientifically or legally), they've moved on to denying trans women the right to *socialise* as women.
To be clear this is not only scientifically illiterate (there is so much work on gender diversity and the fuzziness of gender/sex categories around the edges) but it's just so petty. What do these agitators think they're achieving here? Chromosomes have nothing to do with the WI remit.
December 3, 2025 at 4:33 PM
I'd say what they think they're achieving here is exactly what they *are* achieving. Now they think they've won on what it means to be a woman biologically (despite that not being true either scientifically or legally), they've moved on to denying trans women the right to *socialise* as women.