Staff members at the UK’s main higher education union have complained of a “culture of fear” in the workplace, amid claims that black staff members are victimised and discriminated against.
The Unite union – which represents the University and College Union’s (UCU) own staff – said disputes over pay, health and safety, trade union recognition and equality issues had reached “crisis point”.
UCU employees who spoke to Times Higher Education on condition of anonymity raised concerns about the lack of racial diversity in the union’s leadership, and claimed that black staff members were viewed as “awkward and difficult” when they spoke out.
One worker said racism, particularly discrimination against and victimisation of black staff, was an “open secret” at the trade union, with black women in particular feeling isolated and unwelcome.
