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Letter to BBC Radio Leicester concerning racist abusive of journalist

Published: 18th May, 2020

Last week it was reported that BBC journalist Sima Kotecha was racially abused whilst preparing to broadcast from Leicester city centre. With our sister UCU branch at DMU we have written to BBC Radio Leicester expressing our shock and our solidarity. Dear BBC Radio Leicester, The De Montfort University and University of Leicester branches of the…

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Force Majeure? Farce Majeure

Published: 6th May, 2020

Tomorrow there is an ‘urgency committee’ meeting of the University’s Senate. UCU has no representation on Senate, but we are usually permitted to send an observer. We have not been invited to tomorrow’s emergency meeting. We only learned it was taking place via a member sympathetic to UCU.  One item on the agenda tomorrow is…

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LUCU 2020 AGM Motion

Published: 21st April, 2020

Motion passed at LUCU AGM on 21 April 2020: We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic imposes unique and unexpected challenges to University activity. Leicester UCU resolves to uphold its mandate to protect the health, professional standing, and financial stability of its members to the maximum extent possible, even in these difficult times. LUCU therefore calls…

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What did you do during the COVID-19 crisis? On casualised workers, work and the pandemic

Published: 21st April, 2020

In a year’s time, in two years, in five years, people will look back and ask of individuals and institutions: ‘what did you do during the COVID-19 crisis?’ The answers will shape behaviour, influencing decisions on where to shop and work – and study. The University of Leicester – like every other university, like every…

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Panopto and Blackboard Collaborate: Leicester UCU’s response

Published: 23rd March, 2020

Dear Edmund and Emma, (cc Nishan Canagarajah and Kerry Law) We are writing to respond to your request that Leicester UCU suspend its opposition to the use of Panopto lecture capture, at least for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide an amended statement, indicating our agreement to this suspension with some conditions. We…

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Coronavirus

Published: 17th March, 2020

Since our picket lines ended last week it feels like a lot has changed – indeed it has. The Coronavirus situation has, quite understandably, overtaken all our lives. Whilst we understand that there is a lot of fear and worry right now, we would like to assure you that we are working with the University…

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International staff and coronavirus

Published: 17th March, 2020

UCU has developed a webpage giving some guidance/information for international staff — in particular, those who do not already hold ‘indefinite leave to remain’ (or some equivalent stable status).  Given the recent history of difficulties faced by people in this category, you might find it useful. UCU also has more general guidance for all members…

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Strikes 2020: Day 14… Friends not farewells

Published: 13th March, 2020

It was another bright and beautiful day on the Leicester pickets. Good information had been shared and discussed on day 13 about the spread COVID-19, and as a result, planned activities on the picket line were moved online or rescheduled and leafletting cancelled. Our picketing went ahead, and members were encouraged to stay home if…

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Advice for Day 14 of Current Strike Action: Covid-19 Update

Published: 12th March, 2020

*Text of email sent to members on evening of 12 March 2020* Dear Leicester UCU Members, We are aware that many members are understandably concerned about the impact of Coronavirus and we are emailing about our current plan for picketing tomorrow. This is the final day of our current strike action and we are suggesting…

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Strikes 2020… Day 13: Not all heroes wear capes!

Published: 12th March, 2020

It was a bright, beautiful and brisk day on the pickets as we gathered once again to fight for fair compensation and decent working conditions in Higher Education. Tomorrow is Day 14 of this period of strike action, Day 22 of strikes in this dispute, and Day 36 of strike action in the fight for…

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