Looking for volunteers to support UMUCU members facing problems at work

UMUCU currently has a shortage of Personal Case Workers – volunteers, who after undergoing some basic training, support UMUCU members facing problems at work. 

Typical situations where a member might need support are: 

  • Defending themselves against an allegation of misconduct 
  • Submitting a complaint about bullying 
  • Requesting that ‘reasonable adjustments’ are put in place 
  • Dealing with work related stress 
  • Defending themselves against an allegation of poor performance 

You don’t need to be an expert on everything in order to become a Personal Case Worker. You can start by focussing on a single type of problem, only moving onto other areas once you feel ready. There is always support and advice available from existing, experienced case workers. Most members are so glad to have someone helping them through a difficult situation that they don’t mind if you can’t answer every question immediately and sometimes need to seek advice from a case worker colleague. 

Please email ucu@manchester.ac.uk if you’re interested in finding out more. 

UMUCU Executive Committee statement in response to the recent far-right riots

We are horrified to witness fascists rioting in towns and cities across Britain, leading to attacks on mosques and hotels housing migrants. The far right is spreading anti-Muslim racism. This affects our union members, home and international students and communities in our city and across the country.

As trade unionists we are writing to express our solidarity with communities affected by fascist violence and affirm our commitment to countering fascism, racism and islamophobia wherever we may find it. Our movement is founded on the principles of solidarity and mutual aid. It is together in caring, mutually supportive communities that people are able to thrive and resist divisive lies and hatred.

 The anti-Muslim racism from Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party, Suella Braverman and the Conservative party, as well as reactionary sections of the Labour Party have fuelled the riots on our streets. Tommy Robinson and other racists and fascists have exploited the horrific knife attack in Southport to sow division. This also coincides with the rise of the far right and fascist forces across Europe.

 We, the UMUCU, urge all those who oppose fascism and racism, to unite and demonstrate that we are the majority, and they are the few.

 No to racism and fascism. Refugees are welcome here.

 Trade unionism is grounded in collective action, so, in light of recent events we will organise to:

  1. Support community mutual aid and fundraising campaigns for affected communities.
  2. Support anti-fascist demonstrations and coordinate the involvement of our members.

Keep our campus community safe and make sure that the university does all it can to support our campus and our city to resist fascism.