1. Welcome to Stirling Branch UCU
Iain Ferguson
President, UCU Stirling Branch

2. How will the Union help me?
By:
Giving advice, support and representation for members if they are having a problem with their employer
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 are active, the more likely it is that change can be achieved

3. Some quotes from Members
“… personal support and advice, both from colleagues at Stirling and the CUSN”
“… belonging to an organisation that is working to defend higher education is particularly crucial when higher education is so under attack – in terms of funding, creeping privatisation and academic freedom”
“… protection at work in relation to a series of issues: pay, promotion, dismissal, bullying and harassment and conditions of service more generally”
“The union is highly experienced and can, therefore, offer support and knowledge that you, as an individual, would otherwise not have access to. Being part of a collective body offers strength in terms of negotiating power, and also solidarity and allegiance in times of trouble”
“… belonging to an organisation that works to protect our pay and conditions”
“… legal representation for individuals who find themselves in professional difficulties for whatever reason”
“You never know when you will need help and support
but then it is too late to join!”

4. Contacts President – Iain Ferguson, SASS
Vice-President – Irene Reid, Sports Studies
Chair – Simon Booth, Information Services
Secretary – Marilyn Scott, Information Services
Casework Co-ordinator – Bethan Benwell, Arts & Humanities
Administrator – Pam McGibbon
Website –

5. 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.