University of Manchester
University and College Union

The UCU

• is a democratic association committed to improving the working life of all members and committed to maintaining academic freedom
• represents all academic and related staff (teachers, professors, administrative staff of all grades, researchers, computer and library staff and postgraduates, both full time and part time).
• protects your interests and takes up individual grievences with your employer.
• campaigns on your behalf for improved quality of education and research, salaries, conditions and pensions.
• gives high priority to equal opportunities and women's issues. It has a national women's commitee and an equal opportunities working party.
• has a number of special interest groups for staff such as computer staff, fixed-term non-research lecturers,and contract researchers, at both local and national levels.

Notices

• As part of that national UCU "Stamp Out Casual Contracts" campaign, UCU will be holding a Day of Action next Wednesday 3rd December.  Full details on the national campaign can be found at: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=3532
  UMUCU will be holding an Open Event on Wednesday 3rd December, 12.00 - 1.30pm, B10 Manchester Business School East (next to the Aquatic Centre, Oxford Road). Please note that coffee and the first mince pies of the season will be available in the Atrium on arrival.
  The campaign focuses on increased casualisation within Higher Education and the UCU priority of ensuring that European Legislation on the use of Fixed Term Contracts is being adhered to and that fair working conditions apply to ALL staff.  UMUCU is growing increasingly concerned over the continued use of Fixed Term Contracts and would encourage you to come along.  The event is open ALL staff so please encourage your colleagues to attend.  Please download a poster from the following link and display it in your department:  http://www.umucu.org.uk/ucu/SOCposter1.pdf
• Final Part of 2006-2009 Pay Award - Announcement by HR
  The 2006-2009 pay agreement by the Joint Negotiating Committee of Higher Education Staff (JNCHES) provided for a pay increase from 1 October 2008 of 2.5% or the September Retail Price Index (RPI) figure, whichever was the higher.
  The September RPI, which was announced on 14th October 2008, is 5%. The University of Manchester will be implementing a pay increase of 5% from 1 October 2008.
  Staff paid at the end of the month will receive the increase in October. Staff paid mid-month and hourly-paid Teaching Assistants will receive the increase in November.
• The 'Ulster and Aberdeen Cases': Employment Tribunal Determinations Very little case law has so far been established for cases brought under the Fixed Term Work Regulations 2002. Read the Ulster and Aberdeen rulings to see how the Tribunal judged this particular situation.
• Can we justify higher salaries for longer service? The recent European Court of Justice ruling
• Interim Pay Agreement - Frequently Asked Questions
  Have a look at our responses to the questions that members most frequently ask.