UCEA response to UCU's latest ballot outcome

In response to UCU's latest ballot outcome for IA, Raj Jethwa, UCEA’s Chief Executive said:

“The outcome of UCU’s latest consultative ballot* is disappointing but not surprising, given UCU’s recommendation to reject the proposals. Nonetheless, there is much for the UCU to now consider, given the split in the membership. The fact that under a third of UCU’s membership voted to reject suggests that many understand the financial pressures facing the sector, as well as the positive progress made in the pay dispute. 

“Although two-thirds of academics are not actually members of UCU or any union, any threat to hurt students by not assessing their work through the marking and assessment boycott is taken extremely seriously. Despite consistent feedback from HE institutions confirming low and isolated industrial action impacts, HE institutions will again prioritise mitigations to support students.

“UCEA remains fully committed to working with the trade unions on the implementation of the Acas-facilitated terms of reference** to positively reset industrial relations in our sector. This opportunity to address important issues, building on the extensive good practice which already exists in the sector, remains in place on the understanding that no further industrial action is called during these talks.