Working in climate solidarity with UCU
If you are looking to move beyond individual staff members and make a more strategic partnership with staff to green your university, one group you should be talking to are staff trade unions.
“Trade Unions have a long history of progressive campaigning – for human rights, equality and justice, both in the UK and internationally. In recent years, trade unions have become increasingly vocal on climate change – calling for a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
The University and College Union (UCU) is the largest trade union and professional association for academics, lecturers, trainers, researchers and academic-related staff working in further and higher education throughout the UK. There is a local UCU group (called a branch or local association) in most UK universities and further education colleges. Each branch will have elected officers, such as a chair and secretary, as well as representatives covering particular areas, such as equality. Some branches now have dedicated ‘green reps’. In total, around 120,000 university and college staff belong to the union.
UCU has a strong commitment to action on climate change and environmental issues. It was one of the first unions to sign up to the 10:10 campaign, is active in the Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union group, and has been instrumental in developing TUC learning resources on environmental issues. UCU has established good links worth P&P at a national level, and are keen to strengthen these links at the level of each institution.
“Students and staff are natural allies in ensuring that universities and college delivers on their sustainable development programmes.
UCU is also one of the founding partners of Climate Solidarity – a new campaign to get ordinary union members taking practical action to cut emissions in the home and workplace. Climate Solidarity provides materials, training and support for ‘action groups’ of members, with plans for hundreds of groups across many different workplaces.
Working with your local trade union could take many forms. The union branch may be able to add its weight to green campaigns, or to take specific requests to senior management through negotiating structures. Union members may be keen to work with students on practical projects, or you might want to get involved in a local union campaign, such as Climate Solidarity. In approaching your local union branch, aim to build a relationship and to look for areas of common concern.
If any People & Planet group would like to contact your local UCU branch representatives, the easiest way is to contact Janet Pantland at UCU Head Office, 020 7756 2539.
