Marian Mayer
@marianmayer.bsky.social
There's plenty wrong with UCU right now. This hearing should shed some light...
Our Certification Officer hearing (Blake & McGaughey v UCU) resumes tomorrow (Tue 3 March 2026) online
As before, it is open to the public if you have requested a link from the CO’s office (info [at] certoffice [dot] org)
@ewanmg.bsky.social and I continue to represent our own case in this process
As before, it is open to the public if you have requested a link from the CO’s office (info [at] certoffice [dot] org)
@ewanmg.bsky.social and I continue to represent our own case in this process
Ahead of the 10 February Certification Officer hearing, I’ve written about why Ewan McGaughey and I took this route.
This is a regulatory process, not a court case.
Ewan and I will represent ourselves. UCU has hired a King’s Counsel.
vickyblakeucu.uk/202...
/1
This is a regulatory process, not a court case.
Ewan and I will represent ourselves. UCU has hired a King’s Counsel.
vickyblakeucu.uk/202...
/1
March 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM
There's plenty wrong with UCU right now. This hearing should shed some light...
Enough of this appalling situation. #HandsOffMarie
🚨 FIFTH consecutive vote for industrial action 🚨
🔥 Two week ballot window
🔥 75% turnout
🔥 73% YES to strike action
🔥 81% YES to ASOS
Our members will not tolerate victimisation and won’t be intimidated.
UCU staff are not the enemy. It’s beyond time for the GS to talk to us.
#HandsOffMarie
🔥 Two week ballot window
🔥 75% turnout
🔥 73% YES to strike action
🔥 81% YES to ASOS
Our members will not tolerate victimisation and won’t be intimidated.
UCU staff are not the enemy. It’s beyond time for the GS to talk to us.
#HandsOffMarie
February 27, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Enough of this appalling situation. #HandsOffMarie
It's time the members of our Union made their voices heard and put a stop to this. Solidarity with Marie and @uniteucu.bsky.social
Staff aren’t allowed to say they’re on strike.
UCU members aren’t allowed to mention it to strike-breaking staff.
Regional committees can’t talk about it.
The NEC can’t talk about it.
Congress can talk about it but motions are declared out of order.
Is this the accountability Jo was meaning?
UCU members aren’t allowed to mention it to strike-breaking staff.
Regional committees can’t talk about it.
The NEC can’t talk about it.
Congress can talk about it but motions are declared out of order.
Is this the accountability Jo was meaning?
February 19, 2026 at 3:16 PM
It's time the members of our Union made their voices heard and put a stop to this. Solidarity with Marie and @uniteucu.bsky.social
Please read this important post by @lucyburkemcr.bsky.social . I, like Lucy, will not be silenced. #UCU is better than this. As a union representing workers in post 16 education UCU has a great responsibility to behave democratically transparently and ethically. 1/2
Right now, silencing dissent, prohibiting speech on core issues in our movement, demanding we put the feelings of people in positions of power before those without it, happens routinely. I have no idea why some members think this is okay, none of us would accept this in our workplaces 11/12
February 13, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Please read this important post by @lucyburkemcr.bsky.social . I, like Lucy, will not be silenced. #UCU is better than this. As a union representing workers in post 16 education UCU has a great responsibility to behave democratically transparently and ethically. 1/2
February 12, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Members of UCU have no good reason to trust its elections. Read why here ⬇️ and maybe attend the Certification Officer hearing on the 10th. Hearings are held online anyone can attend. I hope the press will be there.
The @timeshighered.bsky.social has reported that @ewanmg.bsky.social and I have applied to the Certification Officer regarding concerns over the 2024 UCU general secretary election. UCU has characterised this as “smearing”, via a spokesperson.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/jo-grad...
/1
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/jo-grad...
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Jo Grady’s UCU election win challenged over ‘unfair advantage’
Candidates who stood in 2024 poll seek rerun of campaign after claiming incumbent broke rules by using union resources
www.timeshighereducation.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Members of UCU have no good reason to trust its elections. Read why here ⬇️ and maybe attend the Certification Officer hearing on the 10th. Hearings are held online anyone can attend. I hope the press will be there.
The very least the @TUC could do.
UCU policy: “To work with the TUC and other TUs to campaign for a change to the law to prevent such deductions, including lobbying government and opposition parties”
Maybe while @drjogrady.bsky.social is at @tuc.org.uk in Brighton she can work on thi… oh!
policy.web.ucu.org.uk/motion-infor...
Maybe while @drjogrady.bsky.social is at @tuc.org.uk in Brighton she can work on thi… oh!
policy.web.ucu.org.uk/motion-infor...
UCU: Fighting punitive ASOS deductions
Motion from UCU Congress 2022-2023: Fighting punitive ASOS deductions
policy.web.ucu.org.uk
September 6, 2025 at 10:17 AM
The very least the @TUC could do.
This cannot continue. It brings UCU into disrepute. Solidarity with @uniteucu.bsky.social #ReclaimUCU now
Why is our trade union emulating the worst behaviour of our employers towards UCU staff? How many of our letters, motions, attempts to bring motions from lay members pressing for resolution have been ignored now? Solidarity with all @uniteucu.bsky.social #UnionStrong #ReclaimUCU
🚨 Third consecutive vote for industrial action 🚨
✅ strike action: 76%
✅ action short of a strike (ASOS): 80%
✅ turnout: 77%
ASOS begins today with @ucu.org.uk threatening staff: "We'll deduct your wages."
Double standards and vindictive attacks undermine us all.
#ReclaimUCU
✅ strike action: 76%
✅ action short of a strike (ASOS): 80%
✅ turnout: 77%
ASOS begins today with @ucu.org.uk threatening staff: "We'll deduct your wages."
Double standards and vindictive attacks undermine us all.
#ReclaimUCU
September 4, 2025 at 4:57 PM
This cannot continue. It brings UCU into disrepute. Solidarity with @uniteucu.bsky.social #ReclaimUCU now
This is beyond appalling. A union engaging in union-busting. All TUs should be calling on UCU to cease and desist, and settle with @uniteucu.bsky.social for the sake of the movement @tuc.org.uk @yourparty.bsky.social #rReclaimUCU
🚨 Third consecutive vote for industrial action 🚨
✅ strike action: 76%
✅ action short of a strike (ASOS): 80%
✅ turnout: 77%
ASOS begins today with @ucu.org.uk threatening staff: "We'll deduct your wages."
Double standards and vindictive attacks undermine us all.
#ReclaimUCU
✅ strike action: 76%
✅ action short of a strike (ASOS): 80%
✅ turnout: 77%
ASOS begins today with @ucu.org.uk threatening staff: "We'll deduct your wages."
Double standards and vindictive attacks undermine us all.
#ReclaimUCU
September 4, 2025 at 4:12 PM
This is beyond appalling. A union engaging in union-busting. All TUs should be calling on UCU to cease and desist, and settle with @uniteucu.bsky.social for the sake of the movement @tuc.org.uk @yourparty.bsky.social #rReclaimUCU
Reposted by Marian Mayer
Abortion is healthcare.
Abortion is a human right.
Abortion is a trade union issue.
vickyblakeucu.uk/202...
#DecrimAbortion #AbortionRights #UCU #BodilyAutonomy
Abortion is a human right.
Abortion is a trade union issue.
vickyblakeucu.uk/202...
#DecrimAbortion #AbortionRights #UCU #BodilyAutonomy
Abortion is a trade union issue
Why is abortion legislation in the news? Abortion is legal in the UK – right? Technically, for much of the UK, the answer to this question is “no”, despite widespread assumptions that the Abortion …
vickyblakeucu.uk
June 17, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Abortion is healthcare.
Abortion is a human right.
Abortion is a trade union issue.
vickyblakeucu.uk/202...
#DecrimAbortion #AbortionRights #UCU #BodilyAutonomy
Abortion is a human right.
Abortion is a trade union issue.
vickyblakeucu.uk/202...
#DecrimAbortion #AbortionRights #UCU #BodilyAutonomy
Reposted by Marian Mayer
Deeply ashamed of my union behaving like the bosses we fight. Imposition, victimisation and union-busting needs to stop right now @ucu.org.uk. Solidarity with UCU Unite staff ✊
😡 Imposition, not negotiated agreement
😡 Victimisation of reps
😡 Refusal to engage with the recognised union
☣️ All signs of a toxic organisational culture & not what we should see from a union employer.
Shame on @ucu.org.uk whose staff deserve so much better
uniteucu.wordpress.com/2025/06/12/1...
😡 Victimisation of reps
😡 Refusal to engage with the recognised union
☣️ All signs of a toxic organisational culture & not what we should see from a union employer.
Shame on @ucu.org.uk whose staff deserve so much better
uniteucu.wordpress.com/2025/06/12/1...
Safe & Professional Workplace Culture Dispute – Branch Update
A week ago today, SMT announced that they were walking away from ACAS talks. This came as a surprise to us given that it was our view, and the view of the ACAS conciliator, that we were progressing…
uniteucu.wordpress.com
June 12, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Deeply ashamed of my union behaving like the bosses we fight. Imposition, victimisation and union-busting needs to stop right now @ucu.org.uk. Solidarity with UCU Unite staff ✊
If you are a #UCU2025 delegate attending on behalf of @UCU members you really owe it them to educate yourself and the membership about what ails our union.
It isn't the hardworking staff.
Please be there
It isn't the hardworking staff.
Please be there
May 22, 2025 at 9:06 AM
If you are a #UCU2025 delegate attending on behalf of @UCU members you really owe it them to educate yourself and the membership about what ails our union.
It isn't the hardworking staff.
Please be there
It isn't the hardworking staff.
Please be there
For UCU Congress delegates please consider supporting this motion. Please remember there will be survivors in the Congress hall and to be sensitive. It's not a lot to ask and I shouldn't have to ask but past experience tells me I need to.
For colleagues attending @ucu.org.uk Congress this week, a 🧵
Motion HE38 - thanks @leedsucu.bsky.social for bringing it. The motion is based on work with @the1752group.bsky.social around abuses of power in staff-student intimate relationships
Motion HE38 - thanks @leedsucu.bsky.social for bringing it. The motion is based on work with @the1752group.bsky.social around abuses of power in staff-student intimate relationships
May 17, 2025 at 10:23 AM
For UCU Congress delegates please consider supporting this motion. Please remember there will be survivors in the Congress hall and to be sensitive. It's not a lot to ask and I shouldn't have to ask but past experience tells me I need to.
This dispute can easily be resolved. @ucu.org.uk should be an exemplary employer, not this. Members expect better
We are, and have always been, ready to negotiate - even when under attack.
Are you finally ready to talk meaningfully @ucu.org.uk ?
#StopTUVictimisation
Are you finally ready to talk meaningfully @ucu.org.uk ?
#StopTUVictimisation
May 2, 2025 at 6:51 PM
This dispute can easily be resolved. @ucu.org.uk should be an exemplary employer, not this. Members expect better
Reposted by Marian Mayer
Of course she has won. Of course they were wrong. And at a time when other Scottish Universities were calling for an immediate ceasefire. They could have just picked up the phone to their colleagues. This is not hard. And then there is international law too.
They put a brave woman through hell.
They put a brave woman through hell.
A Scottish university rector has won her appeal against a decision to remove her from the governing body after she called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
St Andrews rector wins appeal after dismissal over Gaza comments
www.thenational.scot
May 2, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Of course she has won. Of course they were wrong. And at a time when other Scottish Universities were calling for an immediate ceasefire. They could have just picked up the phone to their colleagues. This is not hard. And then there is international law too.
They put a brave woman through hell.
They put a brave woman through hell.
My speech at #STUC15 seconding Dundee Trades Union Council motion on University of Dundee Governance and beginning with a solidarity message to striking UCU staff in @uniteucu.bsky.social youtu.be/sDQla_8EqiY?... (begins 1:03:05 if the link doesn't take you there directly)
May 2, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Reposted by Marian Mayer
Glad @timeshighered.bsky.social is covering @uniteucu.bsky.social's dispute with @ucu.org.uk -resolution is beyond urgent (has been for over a year). But the content & tone of the UCU's anon quoted spokesperson feels emblematic of the underlying issues...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ucu-mem...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ucu-mem...
UCU members boycott key meeting over staff strike
Members of national executive committee claim they were ‘prohibited’ from discussion of dispute with staff in Unite union
www.timeshighereducation.com
May 1, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Glad @timeshighered.bsky.social is covering @uniteucu.bsky.social's dispute with @ucu.org.uk -resolution is beyond urgent (has been for over a year). But the content & tone of the UCU's anon quoted spokesperson feels emblematic of the underlying issues...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ucu-mem...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ucu-mem...
Please read this thread . I wholly endorse every word. ⬇️
Glad @timeshighered.bsky.social is covering @uniteucu.bsky.social's dispute with @ucu.org.uk -resolution is beyond urgent (has been for over a year). But the content & tone of the UCU's anon quoted spokesperson feels emblematic of the underlying issues...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ucu-mem...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ucu-mem...
UCU members boycott key meeting over staff strike
Members of national executive committee claim they were ‘prohibited’ from discussion of dispute with staff in Unite union
www.timeshighereducation.com
May 1, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Please read this thread . I wholly endorse every word. ⬇️
Reposted by Marian Mayer
Solidarity always with @uniteucu.bsky.social strikers. This dispute is a stain on trade unionism. #reclaimucu
Inspiring. Our members in UCU’s Northern Region have created a video for #MayDay to show the support for our industrial action.
Huge solidarity back at @ducu.bsky.social for the message from their own picket line & also to every UCU branch currently facing massive fights.
youtu.be/vAZVL1ZFM5A?...
Huge solidarity back at @ducu.bsky.social for the message from their own picket line & also to every UCU branch currently facing massive fights.
youtu.be/vAZVL1ZFM5A?...
MayDay Solidarity video from Unite members in the Northern Region of UCU: on strike today (01/05/25)
YouTube video by jonmbryan
youtu.be
May 1, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Solidarity always with @uniteucu.bsky.social strikers. This dispute is a stain on trade unionism. #reclaimucu
Alongside @ucu.org.uk national executive committee members I won't attend UCU NEC tomorrow. Calling on @drjogrady.bsky.social & UCU's SMT to end the dispute with workers. Not crossing a picket line is a hard line for me: key tenet of trade unionism.
reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s...
reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s...
May 1, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Alongside @ucu.org.uk national executive committee members I won't attend UCU NEC tomorrow. Calling on @drjogrady.bsky.social & UCU's SMT to end the dispute with workers. Not crossing a picket line is a hard line for me: key tenet of trade unionism.
reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s...
reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s...
Reposted by Marian Mayer
I won't be at UCU NEC on Friday unless @drjogrady.bsky.social and UCU's SMT resolve the dispute with workers. Not crossing a picket line is a principle of trade unionism as is accountability to members. Sad but proud to contribute to and sign this statement reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s...
Statement on NEC Meeting of 2 May 2025
On Friday, members of Unite UCU will be taking the final day of an unprecedented six weeks of industrial action. It is also the penultimate NEC meeting before Congress. One of the core principles o…
reclaimucu.wordpress.com
April 30, 2025 at 8:05 PM
I won't be at UCU NEC on Friday unless @drjogrady.bsky.social and UCU's SMT resolve the dispute with workers. Not crossing a picket line is a principle of trade unionism as is accountability to members. Sad but proud to contribute to and sign this statement reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s...
Reposted by Marian Mayer
April 30, 2025 at 5:23 PM
In the 20 years that I have been a member of @ucu.org.uk never have I know such a lamentable state of affairs. I won't be crossing any picket lines. Calling on the SMT of UCU to work to resolve the dispute.
reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s....
reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s....
Statement on NEC Meeting of 2 May 2025
On Friday, members of Unite UCU will be taking the final day of an unprecedented six weeks of industrial action. It is also the penultimate NEC meeting before Congress. One of the core principles o…
reclaimucu.wordpress.com
April 30, 2025 at 8:17 PM
In the 20 years that I have been a member of @ucu.org.uk never have I know such a lamentable state of affairs. I won't be crossing any picket lines. Calling on the SMT of UCU to work to resolve the dispute.
reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s....
reclaimucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/s....