The University of Birmingham branch of the University and College Union’s (BUCU) has informed Redbrick that their most recent ballot regarding on-campus working conditions missed out on the 50% turnout threshold required to move forward with industrial action. 

Although the necessary turnout was not achieved, those who participated voted overwhelmingly in support of the ‘yes’ campaign, with 81.5% wishing to pursue action. This action would have seen all teaching moved online, with strikes only due to take place if deemed necessary at a later date.

The disputes over on-campus teaching and working conditions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic began in the autumn term, with UCU putting out surveys and a consultative ballot to gauge staff opinions after labelling the UoB campus ‘unsafe.’ As staff and student case numbers continued to increase, these preliminary votes saw union members side predominantly with a move to online-only teaching.

Speaking to Redbrick, BUCU branch president David Bailey highlighted some of the issues faced during the most recent round of votes: ‘balloting took place over the Christmas period, the post was delayed due to Covid, and many ballot papers needed re-sending that were initially sent to work addresses.’

He continued by saying that the scale of the vote ‘highlights the deep-rooted concerns of our members and sends a clear message to the University management.

‘Our view remains that staff cannot be forced to work in an unsafe workplace. For now, the national lockdown means the overwhelming majority of our members will not anyway be working on campus, and even after 15 February a continuation of the lockdown appears likely.’

Looking to the future, Bailey states that ‘When (and if) the campus re-opens this term we will continue to uphold the rights of all employees not to be forced to work in an unsafe workplace’, while also noting that the University would be called upon to ‘adopt a safe, clear, and consistent position for the Spring term.’

Like this article? Here are more from News: 

Editorial: Russell Group Student Newspapers for No-Detriment Policy

Surrey University Lowers A-level Requirements

Conversion Therapy Revealed to Have Taken Place at University of Birmingham