UCU Reps

Cambridge UCU has a network of Reps in departments and workplaces across the University. Reps are the main point of contact between Cambridge UCU and your workplace. They can support members locally and may run local get togethers to talk about issues and circulate information.

As well as Reps, we also have department Contacts that support our Reps, forming a nucleus of UCU members.

To find out who is your local Rep, or to ask about becoming a Rep or Contact email admin@ucu.cam.ac.uk.

Time off for Trade Union Representatives

Although not formally recognised by the University UCU is explicitly mentioned in this agreement on time off for Trade Union Representatives (also original as a docx). This agreement was negotiated primarily by the UCU and circulated by HR in November 2015. The covering letter stated, in part:

My reason for writing is to request that reasonable consideration is given to requests from Unite, Unison and the University and College Union (UCU) representatives for time off work to undertake trade union duties and activities. If I may I would like to explain a little further the reasons and benefits of doing so.

 

The University values highly the work undertaken by trade union representatives. In particular, their active participation in the Partnership Working Group (PWG), consulting on a wide range of employment matters and their contribution to the development of new University policies and procedures. The trade unions also advise, support and represent employees in relation to individual employment matters which are often urgent, sensitive and confidential in nature.

 

It is recognised that it can sometimes be difficult to accommodate time-off for individuals with union duties, and flexibility is needed on both sides. Guidance for institutions in considering whether a request is reasonable is provided in the attached document. The work undertaken by the trade union representatives also provides a good opportunity for staff to become involved in the wider business of the University and to develop new skills.