Aberdeen UCU

Who runs the local branch?

AUCU is run by a committee of elected members and employs a professional administrator, Sue Bateman. Elections to committee are held annually. The committee usually meets every fortnight and all local members are welcome to attend.

For further information contact Sue Bateman - sue.bateman@abdn.ac.uk | 01224 272377.

What does the local branch do?

Negotiation

AUCU negotiates formally with the University on a variety of issues including:

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Pay and Pensions
  • Policy
  • Promotions
  • Strategic Planning
  • Restructuring

Caswork support

AUCU also has a team of personal caseworkers who help members who are having problems in the workplace. Caseworkers are trained to deal sensitively and discreetly with all sorts of problems. Examples include:

  • Bullying
  • Grievances
  • Disciplinary Hearings
  • Promotion  
  • Avoidance of Redundancy

For further information contact Sue Bateman - sue.bateman@abdn.ac.uk | 01224 272377.

Who does AUCU represent?

University staff are entitled to belong to the trade union of their choice, but AUCU is formally recognised to represent staff on grade 5 and above. We do not compete with other trade unions for members .

Roles represented include:

  • lecturers
  • managers
  • researchers
  • teaching fellows
  • teaching postgraduates
  • librarians
  • administrators
  • computing professionals

All members of UCU are entitled to personal casework support if required (subject to normal terms).

How does AUCU help members resolve workplace problems?

  • AUCU supports lots of members locally who are facing problems at work
  • Members are provided with personal, one-to-one casework support
  • Additional free legal support is available if required (subject to a qualifying period)

When does the branch meet?

The committee usually meets every fortnight and all local members are welcome to attend.

AUCU holds regular general meetings during term time and an Annual General Meeting during the summer, at which members are elected to committee. All local members are welcome at and encouraged to attend General Meetings.

How can I get involved?

We welcome involvement from members and are always seeking caseworkers, committee members, focus group member and departmental representatives. Please see the section Getting Involved for further information.

What campaigns are ongoing?

Some of our current local and national campaigns include:

What are the branch rules?

The Local Rules and Standing Orders are available for download here:

What affiliations does AUCU have?

Locally Aberdeen UCU supports a number of organisations and campaigns as well as making small one-off donations to local campaigns of particular local significance.  Donations/affiliations according to the Local Rules (6.3.4):

Local_Rules___Standing_Orders_-_January_2012.docDonations to charities or other bodies whose objects are consistent with those of the branch.  Donations greater than £500.00 must be approved by a General Meeting of the Branch; donations below this amount must be approved by the committee or by a quorate General Meeting.

Local organisations supported by AUCU are as follows:

Over the past three years donations were also made to the following campaigns and charities:

  • AUSA
  • Aberdeen Trades Council STUC anti-cuts campaign
  • Aberdeen University Student Hardship Fund
  • Haiti Earthquake Fund
  • King's College UCU "Fighting Fund"
  • Leeds UCU "Fighting Fund"
  • Recourse

For further information about affiliations/donations contact Sue - sue.bateman@abdn.ac.uk | 01224 272377.