The UCU is a great union to be part of but it faces growing challenges from aggressive university and college managements and a reactionary Government that seems hell bent on crushing the labour movement.

Like all unions it needs to be adaptive to today’s challenges but also responsive to the needs of its members. It also needs to be an environment where ideas can be openly debated and discussed.

UCU Agenda is a blog which we hope will be of service to all members of the union – where we want to debate some of the real issues facing a modern trade union like the UCU. It is supported by a network of members from all areas of the union – HE and FE; from the equality strands, plus the special employment categories, the English regions and the devolved jurisdictions.

We believe the way forward is unity in action between our rank and file members, and the members of our elected committees, and also those who we pay to work for us in regional, national and UK offices. This is what has won us the successes in the USS dispute.

This blog reflects the ideas of those on the left in the UCU, but who are independent  of outside parties or organisations and who make up our own minds depending on the evidence presented. We think this is reflective of the vast majority of progressive union members. We believe in discussion on a progressive way forward for the union, developing the best of our traditions, and protecting and improving our members pay and conditions, while helping create the type of education system that best serves our students, our communities and our common future. We want this blog to allow this debate, without any of the browbeating we are increasing seeing on social media, and unfortunately from time to time, also via the UCU activists mailing list.

The blog does not reflect a sect, or any outside organisation or a membership organisation. If you’re interested in our ideas, take part in the discussion. We’d love to hear your point of view on the current UCU agenda.

Any thoughts or points of view for the blog – e-mail unionadmin@ucuagenda.com