Sol Gamsu
@solgamsu.bsky.social
Sociologist/sociologue/soziologe of education (elites, geographies, social mobility, dreaming/fighting for another education).
Union rep UCU: organising in various capacities. Working/living in Durham/Newcastle mostly. https://linksta.cc/@Sol%20Gamsu
Union rep UCU: organising in various capacities. Working/living in Durham/Newcastle mostly. https://linksta.cc/@Sol%20Gamsu
Pinned
Sol Gamsu
@solgamsu.bsky.social
· Feb 27
If You Want the University to Change, Don't Theorise—Organise!
Organising as workers to build industrial power within our universities is a key element of how we respond to redundancies, marketisation and other political pressures on higher education. This piece...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
I wrote this for @bjsociology.bsky.social on organising in universities & the work we all need to do to defend & remake the university.
It's a reflection on being heavily involved in UCU with practical tips on what everyone can do, esp. now with redundancies.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
It's a reflection on being heavily involved in UCU with practical tips on what everyone can do, esp. now with redundancies.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
I would like to read a paper that looked at all the statistical proxies and narrative eupehmisms the state uses to understand and delineate structures of social class (generally without invoking the term of class at all much less, of course, a Marxist understanding).
November 25, 2025 at 3:41 PM
I would like to read a paper that looked at all the statistical proxies and narrative eupehmisms the state uses to understand and delineate structures of social class (generally without invoking the term of class at all much less, of course, a Marxist understanding).
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Robbie Gibb describes the BBC's Political Editor Chris Mason as the "unsung hero of covering politics" and "absolutely first rate" Highly impartial Robbie Gibb:
wp.me/p15p2Q-fzc
wp.me/p15p2Q-fzc
BBC Board Member Robbie Gibb: ‘Completely Impartial’
BBC Board Member Robbie Gibb: ‘Completely Impartial’ Robbie Gibb a senior figure at the BBC has long run a dual role as a Tory activist and influencer and a BBC journalist. Appearing before MPs on …
wp.me
November 25, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Robbie Gibb describes the BBC's Political Editor Chris Mason as the "unsung hero of covering politics" and "absolutely first rate" Highly impartial Robbie Gibb:
wp.me/p15p2Q-fzc
wp.me/p15p2Q-fzc
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Thought it might be interesting to update our graphs so they show our VC's salary for comparison. There's lots of chop, but the VC salary is *up* in real terms from where it was in 2008. Inflation handled in same way as for all spine points. A minor error: the 2019 value should be £333k, not £351k.
And here we are! Literally every spine point is paying less in real terms than it was back in 2008. Spine point 5 (now replaced by the real living wage) is down by about 3.4%. By spine point 10, we're down over 10%. By spine point 23, over 20%, ultimately reaching a 22.1% reduction. 3/3
November 25, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Thought it might be interesting to update our graphs so they show our VC's salary for comparison. There's lots of chop, but the VC salary is *up* in real terms from where it was in 2008. Inflation handled in same way as for all spine points. A minor error: the 2019 value should be £333k, not £351k.
Support @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social fight to save their TPS
pensions! www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/no...
pensions! www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/no...
Northumbria Pay and Pension Petition: Stop the Steal!
If Northumbria does this, other universities will too.
These cuts will harm thousands of people, their students, families, and their local communities now and into the future.
www.megaphone.org.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Support @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social fight to save their TPS
pensions! www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/no...
pensions! www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/no...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Book bans often target YA titles with sexual content. In a new interview, @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social editor Andrew Karre explains that these books offer teens a safe, ethical way to learn about their desires and experiences — and merit their place on library shelves. pen.org/andrew-karre...
November 16, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Book bans often target YA titles with sexual content. In a new interview, @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social editor Andrew Karre explains that these books offer teens a safe, ethical way to learn about their desires and experiences — and merit their place on library shelves. pen.org/andrew-karre...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
In response to our industrial action, the university proposed a resolution that removed the threat of compulsory redundancies for the next year and introduced a negotiation process over course closures. And at our branch meeting, we accepted this offer.
November 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
In response to our industrial action, the university proposed a resolution that removed the threat of compulsory redundancies for the next year and introduced a negotiation process over course closures. And at our branch meeting, we accepted this offer.
Farage is interesting as an example of upper class cultures of racism & fascism fostered thru elite schools. He's not the only one.
What's also interesting here is how the teachers (& some of his peers) vary in their attitude towards racism & anti-semitism.
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
What's also interesting here is how the teachers (& some of his peers) vary in their attitude towards racism & anti-semitism.
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
‘Deeply shocking’: Nigel Farage faces fresh claims of racism and antisemitism at school
Bafta-winning director among contemporaries urging contrition and apology from Reform UK leader, who denies the allegations
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Farage is interesting as an example of upper class cultures of racism & fascism fostered thru elite schools. He's not the only one.
What's also interesting here is how the teachers (& some of his peers) vary in their attitude towards racism & anti-semitism.
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
What's also interesting here is how the teachers (& some of his peers) vary in their attitude towards racism & anti-semitism.
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
"The message to trust management, it is time to pay fair, time to pay band 3 for phlebotomists in Gloucester."
@paulnowaktuc.bsky.social , at yesterday's rally in support of the @unison.org.uk strikers.
Get your badge to support this strike here: bit.ly/IGIVEAPHLEBbadge
hashtag#StrikeMap
@paulnowaktuc.bsky.social , at yesterday's rally in support of the @unison.org.uk strikers.
Get your badge to support this strike here: bit.ly/IGIVEAPHLEBbadge
hashtag#StrikeMap
November 18, 2025 at 2:44 PM
"The message to trust management, it is time to pay fair, time to pay band 3 for phlebotomists in Gloucester."
@paulnowaktuc.bsky.social , at yesterday's rally in support of the @unison.org.uk strikers.
Get your badge to support this strike here: bit.ly/IGIVEAPHLEBbadge
hashtag#StrikeMap
@paulnowaktuc.bsky.social , at yesterday's rally in support of the @unison.org.uk strikers.
Get your badge to support this strike here: bit.ly/IGIVEAPHLEBbadge
hashtag#StrikeMap
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
“They went for pensioners, they went for the disabled, and now they’re going for people fleeing war and conflict. I am furious — this government should hang their heads in shame.”
Zack Polanski on Labour’s new immigration reforms on Newsnight.
Zack Polanski on Labour’s new immigration reforms on Newsnight.
November 18, 2025 at 10:01 AM
“They went for pensioners, they went for the disabled, and now they’re going for people fleeing war and conflict. I am furious — this government should hang their heads in shame.”
Zack Polanski on Labour’s new immigration reforms on Newsnight.
Zack Polanski on Labour’s new immigration reforms on Newsnight.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Don't cross the picket line!
We are on strike because of UoE's budget cuts that have and will affect students and staff.
We are striking for a better university, join us!
#StopTheCuts
We are on strike because of UoE's budget cuts that have and will affect students and staff.
We are striking for a better university, join us!
#StopTheCuts
November 18, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Don't cross the picket line!
We are on strike because of UoE's budget cuts that have and will affect students and staff.
We are striking for a better university, join us!
#StopTheCuts
We are on strike because of UoE's budget cuts that have and will affect students and staff.
We are striking for a better university, join us!
#StopTheCuts
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Elsevier has a 38% profit margin, and the other journal publishers aren't far behind.
"academic publishing is dominated by profit-oriented, multinational companies for whom scientific knowledge is a commodity to be sold back to the academic community who created it... The dominant four collectively generated... $12 billion in profits between 2019 and 2024."
November 18, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Elsevier has a 38% profit margin, and the other journal publishers aren't far behind.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
I think it’s important to understand that for Reform’s ideologists the politics of asylum isn’t just about immigration/‘cultural coherence’. It’s a wedge to open a way to something they really really want: repeal of The Human Rights Act, which they desire for several reasons (1/?)
November 18, 2025 at 10:03 AM
I think it’s important to understand that for Reform’s ideologists the politics of asylum isn’t just about immigration/‘cultural coherence’. It’s a wedge to open a way to something they really really want: repeal of The Human Rights Act, which they desire for several reasons (1/?)
I hope that my MP @chionwurah.bsky.social will, to use her words, "use the platform" provided by her damehood, to speak against the home sec's plans to change asylum law.
Many ppl in Newcastle Central & West have migrated, it is not a crime.
Labour MPs speak must oppose this disgusting proposal.
Many ppl in Newcastle Central & West have migrated, it is not a crime.
Labour MPs speak must oppose this disgusting proposal.
November 17, 2025 at 9:29 AM
I hope that my MP @chionwurah.bsky.social will, to use her words, "use the platform" provided by her damehood, to speak against the home sec's plans to change asylum law.
Many ppl in Newcastle Central & West have migrated, it is not a crime.
Labour MPs speak must oppose this disgusting proposal.
Many ppl in Newcastle Central & West have migrated, it is not a crime.
Labour MPs speak must oppose this disgusting proposal.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
November 17, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
The only Legitimate Concerns about asylum seekers are concerns for their well being and safety. For a rich country like ours to incessantly whine about these people as if we are their victims is perhaps the single most pathetic spectacle in British politics over the past quarter century.
November 16, 2025 at 7:19 AM
The only Legitimate Concerns about asylum seekers are concerns for their well being and safety. For a rich country like ours to incessantly whine about these people as if we are their victims is perhaps the single most pathetic spectacle in British politics over the past quarter century.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Solidarity with union leader Pawel Rudzki (migrant worker and agency worker) who has been fired by Albert Heijn (supermarket of Ahold Delhaize).
Sign to support here:
www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaig...
Sign to support here:
www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaig...
Netherlands: Justice for Pawel Rudzki
Please support this LabourStart urgent action campaign and spread the word.
www.labourstartcampaigns.net
November 14, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Solidarity with union leader Pawel Rudzki (migrant worker and agency worker) who has been fired by Albert Heijn (supermarket of Ahold Delhaize).
Sign to support here:
www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaig...
Sign to support here:
www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaig...
Es blieb nur das Kreuz als die einzige Spur
Von deinem Leben, doch hör' meinen Schwur
Für den Frieden zu kämpfen und wachsam zu sein:
Fällt die Menschheit noch einmal auf Lügen herein
Appropriate in our times & for remembrance day (week/s)
Ein bisschen spaet aber trotzdem
youtu.be/DjWtzNWiRs8?...
Von deinem Leben, doch hör' meinen Schwur
Für den Frieden zu kämpfen und wachsam zu sein:
Fällt die Menschheit noch einmal auf Lügen herein
Appropriate in our times & for remembrance day (week/s)
Ein bisschen spaet aber trotzdem
youtu.be/DjWtzNWiRs8?...
An der Zeit (Live)
YouTube video by Eric Fish - Topic
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Es blieb nur das Kreuz als die einzige Spur
Von deinem Leben, doch hör' meinen Schwur
Für den Frieden zu kämpfen und wachsam zu sein:
Fällt die Menschheit noch einmal auf Lügen herein
Appropriate in our times & for remembrance day (week/s)
Ein bisschen spaet aber trotzdem
youtu.be/DjWtzNWiRs8?...
Von deinem Leben, doch hör' meinen Schwur
Für den Frieden zu kämpfen und wachsam zu sein:
Fällt die Menschheit noch einmal auf Lügen herein
Appropriate in our times & for remembrance day (week/s)
Ein bisschen spaet aber trotzdem
youtu.be/DjWtzNWiRs8?...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
"How Regions That Don’t Matter Vote for Parties That Don’t Bother"
What an absolutely BRILLIANT subtitle of this fascinating new article by @evertmeijers.bsky.social & @jvanslageren.bsky.social that perfectly captures this ironic paradox of (Dutch) politics.
What an absolutely BRILLIANT subtitle of this fascinating new article by @evertmeijers.bsky.social & @jvanslageren.bsky.social that perfectly captures this ironic paradox of (Dutch) politics.
Unequal Political Representation of Core and Periphery: How Regions That Don’t Matter Vote for Parties That Don’t Bother
Geographical orientation of political party families in the Netherlands, 2017-2021.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:31 PM
"How Regions That Don’t Matter Vote for Parties That Don’t Bother"
What an absolutely BRILLIANT subtitle of this fascinating new article by @evertmeijers.bsky.social & @jvanslageren.bsky.social that perfectly captures this ironic paradox of (Dutch) politics.
What an absolutely BRILLIANT subtitle of this fascinating new article by @evertmeijers.bsky.social & @jvanslageren.bsky.social that perfectly captures this ironic paradox of (Dutch) politics.
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
The problem with the climate regime in one article: With fewer people attending COP30 "one in every 25 participants at this year’s UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist." It is "the largest concentration of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP" and up 12% from COP29 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all Cop30 delegations except Brazil, report says
One in every 25 participants at 2025 UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist, according to Kick Big Polluters Out
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:20 AM
The problem with the climate regime in one article: With fewer people attending COP30 "one in every 25 participants at this year’s UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist." It is "the largest concentration of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP" and up 12% from COP29 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Sol Gamsu
Remember if you have not recieved your ballot you must request it here ⬇️
We need everyone our voting!
We need everyone our voting!
We're hearing of a lot of members not receiving their ballot. If that's you, please request your replacement ballot TODAY.
Deadline to request replacement ballots is 23 NOVEMBER yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/wearetheu...
#WeAreTheUniversity #SaveHE #UKHE #UCU
Deadline to request replacement ballots is 23 NOVEMBER yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/wearetheu...
#WeAreTheUniversity #SaveHE #UKHE #UCU
November 14, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Remember if you have not recieved your ballot you must request it here ⬇️
We need everyone our voting!
We need everyone our voting!