UCU Procedure Agreement

Trade Union Membership

  1. The University supports the system of collective bargaining and believes in the principle of aiming to solve industrial relations problems by discussion and agreement. For practical purposes, this can only be conducted by representatives of the employers and the employees. If collective bargaining of this kind is to continue and improve for the benefit of both, it is essential that the employees’ association should be fully representative.
  2. The University recognises the University and College Union (UCU) as an appropriate Trade Union to negotiate on behalf of members of the academic and related staff in relation to terms and conditions of employment and a Procedure Agreement exists between the University and this Union.

Procedure Agreement between the University of Wales Aberystwyth and the University and College Union (UCU)

Purpose and Scope

  1. It is the spirit and intention of the Agreement to foster the best possible relations between the University and the UCU and to this end provide a mutually understood method of discussion and consultation.
  2. All local conditions of employment of the academic and related staff who come within the purview of the University Authorities Panel shall be covered by this machinery with the exception (other than for their interpretation and application) of those matters which are negotiated centrally through the University and College Union and the representatives of the Universities.
  3. Both the University and the UCU accept that the provisions of this Procedure Agreement carry the obligation to arrange discussion of matters of mutual concern at an early stage. The aim is that such matters be settled as near as possible to the point of origin.
  4. The machinery set up under this Agreement and in paragraphs 10 to 15 and 16 to 17 is supplementary to, and is in no way intended to detract from, the powers assigned under the Charter and Statutes to the Council, the Senate and their Committees.
  5. For the purposes mentioned in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above, there shall be a Joint Consultative Committee (see paragraphs 10 to 15).
  6. Reasonable facilities shall be granted for recognised Aberystwyth UCU representatives and Aberystwyth UCU Officers to discharge their responsibilities under this Agreement and the University will aim to meet all reasonable requests for relevant information. Names and departments of these representatives (and their alternates) shall be notified in writing to the University; changes in representation shall be similarly notified. Similarly the UCU shall be notified of the names of University representatives and their alternates.
  7. If a dispute arises all the Disputes Procedures specified in this Agreement and in paragraphs 16 and 17 shall be exhausted before either party takes any action not specified in these Procedures.
  8. The parties to the Agreement reserve the right to terminate it by giving three months notice in writing. Amendments may be made with the consent of both parties.
  9. While the parties to the Agreement agree to honour the provisions of this document it is not intended to provide a legally enforceable Agreement.

    Joint Consultative Committee

  10. The Joint Consultative Committee referred to in the foregoing Procedure Agreement shall be known as 'The University of Wales Aberystwyth/Aberystwyth UCU Joint Consultative Committee', (hereinafter referred to as the Joint Consultative Committee).
  11. The Joint Consultative Committee shall consist of four representatives of the University Council and four representatives of the Aberystwyth UCU. There shall be provision for alternates for the representatives of both sides.
  12. The Chair of meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee shall be vested alternately in one of the four representatives nominated by the University and one of the four representatives nominated by the UCU, each side nominating its chosen representative for this purpose.
  13. The Registrar & Secretary (or his/her nominee) shall be secretary of the University Council side of the Joint Consultative Committee and the Secretary (or his/her nominee) of the Aberystwyth UCU shall be secretary for the University and College Union side. They shall be known as the Joint Secretaries, and shall consult on the agenda and minutes of meetings. The Joint Secretaries shall not be deemed to be representatives for the purpose of Clause 11 above. Meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee shall be convened by the Registrar & Secretary (or his/her nominee).
  14. The Committee shall meet at the request of the Vice-Chancellor & Principal of the University or the President of the Aberystwyth UCU stating business to be discussed. Items for the agenda should normally reach the Registrar & Secretary seven days before the meeting.
  15. The minutes of the Joint Consultative Committee shall normally be submitted in the first instance to the Staffing Committee whose decisions require confirmation by the University Council. With the consent of the Vice-Chancellor & Principal matters for reference to Committees other than Staffing Committee may be referred to them direct. The Aberystwyth UCU shall receive copies of the minutes.

    Disputes/Grievance Procedures

  16. Individual Issues

    Following the modification of Statute 22 of the University Charter by the University Commissioners acting in accordance with powers vested in them under the terms of the Education Reform Act 1988, individual grievances are now dealt with in accordance with the procedures described earlier in this Section. The UCU has full rights of representation for its members in the use of this procedure.

  17. Collective Issues

    Where matters are raised by the UCU which affect a number of their members, and if other remedies within the Faculty, Department or other relevant area have been exhausted, the procedures set out in the Grievance Procedure will be followed, the collective grievance being put to the Vice-Chancellor & Principal in writing and dealt with in the manner described. Where the grievance is referred to the Grievance Committee the case shall be put by a member of the Aberystwyth UCU accompanied by a representative of his/her choice.

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