We write to convey the UCU Glasgow branch’s deep concern over the continuing failure to resolve the dispute with UCU Unite, as a result of which you have forced them to commence another round of industrial action to defend their working conditions.

In our own disputes, we often endure public attacks from employers who seek to de-legitimise our position in disputes and shift blame onto us in attempt to force us to accept poor offers. It is upsetting to see similar rhetoric from our own union leadership towards the representatives of the staff our union employs. As a trade union, where we employ staff we should seek to behave as a role model of positive engagement in industrial relations.

Furthermore, industrial action arising from this dispute has now caused the last-minute cancellation of the 2024 Sector Conferences as well as the postponement of the 2025 UCU Scotland Congress. This endangers the democratic accountability of our union and cannot be allowed to continue.

As instructed by two resolutions of our General Meeting of 27 March, we therefore call upon you to take immediate steps to resolve the dispute, to remove the vitriol from communications regarding the dispute, and to give Unite an opportunity to communicate with all UCU members.