News / UWE Bristol
University staff call for ‘transparency’ and ‘equality’
A petition started by a senior lecturer is gaining momentum after it called for “transparency and fair treatment” from UWE management towards the university’s employees.
The petition is hoping to transform UWE’s working conditions including “manageable workloads” that would prevent staff from doing unpaid work on evenings and weekends.
Started by senior economics lecturer, Dr Carolyn Sissoko, the petition is directly addressed to UWE vice-chancellor Steve West saying that those signing it “stand together against compulsory redundancies”.
The petition reads: “We call for transparency about UWE’s finances including providing UWE ICU with:
- “Information on how much UWE has been spending on managerial ‘S-grade’ employees and how this spending has increased over the past six years.
- “The release of detailed information on UWE expenses as requested by UCU and other unions.”
There is also an emphasis on “equal pay for equal work” hoping to end discrepancies in pay for certain groups.
UWE has several campuses across Bristol – photo: UWE Bristol
A UWE spokesperson said: “While we’re aware of the petition, the university is committed to creating an environment where staff are supported, valued and can thrive.
“We have mechanisms in place at the university for staff to raise any issues and we’d welcome an open dialogue with employees to constructively address the issues mentioned within the petition.
“The university is working to address financial challenges, which are being felt sector-wide, and we will continue to provide transparency through regular meetings between management and the trade unions, including UCU, throughout this process.”
Main photo: UWE Bristol
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