ucu

UCU commonly refers to the University and College Union, a trade union in the United Kingdom and Ireland that represents academic and related staff in universities and colleges. It campaigns on issues such as pay, workload, working conditions, pensions, equality, and academic freedom, and it conducts collective bargaining with employers, as well as ballots and industrial actions when necessary.

The union was formed in 2006 through the merger of two predecessors, the Association of University Teachers (AUT) and NATFHE (the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education). It operates at national, regional, and local levels, coordinating activities through branches and committees.

UCU is affiliated with national and international labor organizations and participates in broader efforts to advance higher education staff interests. It engages in negotiations with employer bodies and government bodies on matters affecting terms and conditions of employment for its members.

Organization and governance typically involve an annual representative conference that sets policy, supported by a General Secretary and a National Executive Committee responsible for day-to-day administration and strategic direction. Local branches handle workplace issues, member services, and local bargaining within their institutions.

Membership generally includes lecturers, researchers, teaching and postdoctoral staff, and professional and administrative personnel working in universities and similar post-secondary institutions. The scope of UCU’s activities covers negotiating pay scales, workload arrangements, contracts, pensions, equality and staff development, as well as addressing concerns about academic integrity and staff welfare.

Other uses: the lowercase or uppercase string “ucu” can appear in different contexts unrelated to this union. If you had another meaning in mind, please specify for a targeted overview.