16 October 2017
Cass Business School, City University of London. Photo Jwslubbock CC BY-SA 4.0.
Workers at City University in London have made major advances in their terms and conditions. This came about from the negotiating strategy entered into by the Unison branch over annual leave.
The employer has accepted Unison’s proposals. From January 2018 the university has agreed harmonisation of leave entitlements, largely for non-academic staff. This will give greater leave entitlement and provide leave protection in a limited number of cases. The introduction of a changed leave year will also enable leave carry over and cover around the Christmas closure period.
The strategy developed by the City University Unison branch has also been about reinvigoration. This involved engaging with members and more members participating in the branch. The aim was to lift the profile of Unison locally, and to demonstrate that non-academic staff do not have to cling to the coat tails of academic staff to improve terms and conditions.
This strategy has increased Unison membership density and brought forward new stewards and branch leaders. Local battles build confidence and engagement; and they reinforce the value of trade union membership.