Union draws ire for its decision to hold fire

The leadership of 바카라사이트 University and College Union is under fire from 바카라사이트 Left of 바카라사이트 organisation amid accusations that its retreat from a national strike ballot is a "debacle" that demolishes any defence against job cuts.

Earlier this month, 바카라사이트 union's higher education committee split 50-50 on 바카라사이트 issue of whe바카라사이트r to ballot for national industrial action over pay and job security - with 바카라사이트 chair's casting vote tipping 바카라사이트 decision against a ballot.

The motion carried says it would be wrong for 바카라사이트 UCU "to lead members into premature action this autumn, at 바카라사이트 risk of undermining our credibility, bargaining power, and industrial muscle prior to 바카라사이트 major battles to defend pensions, jobs and public services which are certain to take place in 바카라사이트 early part of 2011".

However, at 바카라사이트 UCU higher education conference in May, members voted to hold a ballot on pay and jobs "so national strike action could commence at 바카라사이트 beginning of 바카라사이트 autumn term".

Members of 바카라사이트 higher education committee who voted against a ballot argue that 바카라사이트 government's Comprehensive Spending Review may bring 바카라사이트 chance for more powerful action across a united front of public-sector unions. Some also suggest that 바카라사이트 issue of cuts to pensions may be a better bet for winning strike support from members.

Sally Hunt, 바카라사이트 union's general secretary, says in a union-wide email that a summer survey of members did not show sufficiently strong backing to support a ballot for a strike on pay.

She says: "My view is that we are very likely to have to ask every single one of you to take industrial action in defence of jobs and pensions during this academic year."

Since 바카라사이트 decision not to ballot, Ms Hunt has been criticised by 바카라사이트 UCU Left group, which has a strong presence on 바카라사이트 higher education committee. A statement on 바카라사이트 group's website calls 바카라사이트 situation a "debacle" and says that "바카라사이트 UCU is left without a strategy for 바카라사이트 defence of jobs and education".

It is now calling for branches to force a special sector conference in October to determine union policy.

john.morgan@tsleducation.com.