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It's been more years than I care to think about since I've could rightfully call myself an activist. After spending the better part of my 20s involved in Anarchist activism, I trickled off around 2007 for various reasons.
In that time, I did a variety of things, including mass demonstrations, local demonstrations, political prisoner support, copwatching, books to prisoners, food & clothing redistribution, and union organising work. It was always an uphill battle, and we lost more than we won... but it was a good fight, and I'm proud of the role I played, however small.
Now, after years away from anything resembling activism, I appear to be back at it again. Except -- surprise -- this time the union organising is with my own union... and the fight is over my own pension.
The main pension plan in the UK, the University Superannuation Scheme (USS) is under attack, with the 69 universities that support it trying to effectively dismantle the fund and replace it with something far smaller (and cheaper). The Universities & College Union (UCU) isn't taking this lying down, and we've begun to fight back. Starting today, an assessment boycott has begin -- all across the nation, folks are refusing to prepare exams, mark papers, or assess students in any way.
It's not an easy decision, and the students themselves aren't to blame, of course! But the universities need to be made to listen -- and until now, they've refused to even negotiate with us. Fortunately, the National Union of Students supports us -- it's good to know that they can see where we are coming from.
Imperial College has determined to dock 25% pay from anyone who participates in this industrial action, even though student assessment comprises far less than 25% of anyone's time. Other universities -- like York -- are docking 100% pay, and I've heard that there are even good old fashioned lockouts going on at some places. Ah, welcome back to the 19th century!
I do not personally have any assessment responsibilities at present, so I cannot directly participate in the boycott. However, I am in full support of this action. I have been to multiple meetings on this topic in the past couple of days, I plan to donate a fraction of my own salary to the UCU's "Fighting Fund" that will help offset the lost wages of my colleagues, and I have written an appeal for others in my position to do the same. I am also organising a response amongst other research staff in the Physics Department and have been newly recruited to enlist other volunteers on a wider scale within the university.
I have to say: I don't need this right now. I really really don't need this. Without boring folks with details, my life is really chok-a-blok full right now; the extra committments on my time (and finances) is not welcome. Still, I didn't pick this fight, but I'm going to do what I can to help us win it! What else can I do, really? All progress in working conditions has come from people sacrificing their time and resources to further the labour movement. Joe Hill, Utah Phillips, and so many others have done their bit before me. Who I am to shirk my small part?
So, yeah, back in the thick of it again... at least for now. And unlike so many of the broader political battles, I do think this is one that can be won.
So, in the immortal words of Ralph Chaplin:
When the union's inspiration through the workers' blood shall run,
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun;
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one,
But the union makes us strong...
In that time, I did a variety of things, including mass demonstrations, local demonstrations, political prisoner support, copwatching, books to prisoners, food & clothing redistribution, and union organising work. It was always an uphill battle, and we lost more than we won... but it was a good fight, and I'm proud of the role I played, however small.
Now, after years away from anything resembling activism, I appear to be back at it again. Except -- surprise -- this time the union organising is with my own union... and the fight is over my own pension.
The main pension plan in the UK, the University Superannuation Scheme (USS) is under attack, with the 69 universities that support it trying to effectively dismantle the fund and replace it with something far smaller (and cheaper). The Universities & College Union (UCU) isn't taking this lying down, and we've begun to fight back. Starting today, an assessment boycott has begin -- all across the nation, folks are refusing to prepare exams, mark papers, or assess students in any way.
It's not an easy decision, and the students themselves aren't to blame, of course! But the universities need to be made to listen -- and until now, they've refused to even negotiate with us. Fortunately, the National Union of Students supports us -- it's good to know that they can see where we are coming from.
Imperial College has determined to dock 25% pay from anyone who participates in this industrial action, even though student assessment comprises far less than 25% of anyone's time. Other universities -- like York -- are docking 100% pay, and I've heard that there are even good old fashioned lockouts going on at some places. Ah, welcome back to the 19th century!
I do not personally have any assessment responsibilities at present, so I cannot directly participate in the boycott. However, I am in full support of this action. I have been to multiple meetings on this topic in the past couple of days, I plan to donate a fraction of my own salary to the UCU's "Fighting Fund" that will help offset the lost wages of my colleagues, and I have written an appeal for others in my position to do the same. I am also organising a response amongst other research staff in the Physics Department and have been newly recruited to enlist other volunteers on a wider scale within the university.
I have to say: I don't need this right now. I really really don't need this. Without boring folks with details, my life is really chok-a-blok full right now; the extra committments on my time (and finances) is not welcome. Still, I didn't pick this fight, but I'm going to do what I can to help us win it! What else can I do, really? All progress in working conditions has come from people sacrificing their time and resources to further the labour movement. Joe Hill, Utah Phillips, and so many others have done their bit before me. Who I am to shirk my small part?
So, yeah, back in the thick of it again... at least for now. And unlike so many of the broader political battles, I do think this is one that can be won.
So, in the immortal words of Ralph Chaplin:
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun;
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one,
But the union makes us strong...
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