Welcome to Stirling Branch UCU Jim Bradley Acting President, UCU Stirling Branch http://ucustirling.org.uk

UCU: Who we are UCU represents academic and professional staff in further and higher education: Lecturers and professors Tutors and researchers Instructors and trainers Senior professional staff and managers Postgraduate students employed in academic and related posts Administration, library and computing staff (pre-92 universities only)

Why should I become a member? Because you will be better off with us as we will provide: Representation if you have a problem at work – in one recent year we won more than £7million in legal settlements for our members Negotiation of your pay and conditions Lobbying to improve the status of further and higher education staff

How will the Union help me? (1) By: Giving advice, support and representation for you if you are having a problem with your employer, through the use of caseworkers Ensuring that changes are negotiated rather than imposed Offering spin-off benefits including attendance on training courses Providing the opportunity to discuss your grievances with other members Staff members in unionised workplaces are usually paid more and the more members who are active, the more likely it is that change can be achieved

How will the Union help me? (2) By helping you build your career: CPD training including classroom management, voice care, and getting published Our ‘Early Careers Guide for New Staff’ free to members Access to all our professional publications including our magazine ‘UC’, our specialist networks for young members, fixed term staff, prison educators, adult educators and researchers

How will the Union help me? (3) By campaigning on your behalf: Nationally and locally Defending your pay and conditions Defending access to public education Making the case for more funding for education Lobbying for greater status and professional support for educators Promoting equality in the workplace

How will the Union help me? (4) By giving you the opportunity to be part of something bigger With 120,000 members, we are the biggest union for tertiary education staff in the world We are part of a 6 million strong UK trade union movement We are described by The Guardian as “the UK’s leading academic lobby” We are the largest community of academic professionals in the UK

How will the Union help me? (5) Because: We have a proven track record of representing the specialist interests of staff in further and higher education We are a vibrant democratic community, improving the working lives of education staff We are the voice of our profession to government and employers

How can I help the Union? By: Attending general meetings and participating in the proceedings Volunteering to help with putting up posters and distributing flyers in mail trays, when required Offering to attend training courses to enable you to participate in Committee activities Becoming a School representative Volunteering to become a caseworker. Caseworkers are very urgently needed and play a hugely important role in the functioning of the Union Agreeing to speak to non-members to encourage them to join the Union

Some quotes from past members “The training was excellent and summary of important information most helpful.  For those who want to be more involved, it is essential.” “UCU does amazing work and I was very happy to participate in meaningful activities during my time here. I wish you all the best .” “Thanks again for all the UCU support over the years and keep fighting the good fight!” “Thank you for the card and beautiful gift that were waiting for me here this morning.  It was very kind and touching.  It is reassuring to be reminded that there are islands of decency and humanity in this cut-throat world… Keep up the good work, needed now more than ever!” “It has been great to be part of such a nice team of people in Scotland and I will miss everyone very much” “You never know when you will need help and support but then it is too late to join!”

Contacts Acting President: Jim Bradley, School of Education (j.g.bradley@stir.ac.uk) Vice President Membership: Jim Bradley, School of Education Vice President Casework: Bethan Benwell, School of Arts & Humanities Secretary: Marilyn Scott, Information Services (ucu.secretary@stir.ac.uk) Administrator: Pam McGibbon (pm29@stir.ac.uk)

You can join online now at: How to join You can join online now at: http://ucustirling.org.uk and follow the link on the right side that says ‘You can join UCU online now!’

Information about the other two Campus Unions Unison Staff on clerical, manual, and administrative grades (excluding academics, e.g. secretary, cleaner) Unite All members of technical staff, including scientific, craftsperson (e.g. senior concierge, technician, plumber) Unison and Unite both have the right to cover people up to grade 10. Some technicians are grade 6 or 7 in Unite and a few Unison people are above grade 6. Therefore there is overlap which needs to be acknowledged.