| This motion was unanimously passed at a recent UCU quorate meeting at Leeds Beckett University. It has now become a resolution of the branch. |
LBU Library Motion.
This branch notes:
- The proposed restructuring of the university library from 104.05 FTE to 89.21 FTE, threatens the roles, working conditions, and livelihoods of valued colleagues.
- The vital contribution of library staff in providing support to academic colleagues and students through front-line library provision, academic skills development, resourcing, research support and managing the university VLE MyBeckett.
- The contribution of library staff to the academic mission, student experience, and institutional knowledge.
- That UNISON represents most of the staff affected and has already raised concerns about the process and its impact.
This branch believes:
- That the restructuring presents a significant challenge to staff welfare and undermines the university’s commitment to staff wellbeing and academic excellence.
- That the removal of a dedicated Library Disability Support Team presents a risk to students with disabilities by removing expertise in that area.
- That the matched and assigned job roles present significant equality issues; of the 39 matched or assigned roles, 41% have been assigned to men, despite 65% of the library’s workforce being women. There have been no matched or assigned jobs to people of colour.
- That solidarity across unions is essential to resist damaging changes and protect our colleagues.
- That library staff deserve our full support in defending their roles and resisting detrimental changes.
This branch resolves to:
- Offer full solidarity to all library colleagues impacted by the proposed restructuring.
- Commit to joint working with UNISON, including coordinated campaigning, communications, and industrial strategy, following consultation with Unison members.
At the AMM we asked UCU members:
- What they are prepared to do in support of library staff?
- That they are willing to register a formal dispute with the university.
- That they support beginning a process of industrial action, up to and including strike action, in defence of library colleagues.
- To publicise the impact of the restructuring on staff and students, and challenge the university’s narrative through press, social media, and internal communications.