packedroomThe Universities of London branch of the IWGB is open to everyone who works at a university in London, and provides:

  • Free advice, representation and legal support with workplace issues
  • The support of a Legal Department based in the union’s London office.
  • Support at employment tribunals
  • Support to access free English classes
  • Full speaking and voting rights at members meetings and our annual general meeting where branch decisions are made
  • Determined backing from the central IWGB

We’re showing that determined organising can win concrete results, and have:

  • Successfully campaigned for all outsourced staff to be brought in-house at University of London, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Goldsmiths
  • Won better pay and conditions for outsourced workers at UCL, University of Greenwich, Royal College of Art, Royal College of Music, and more!
  • Led successful campaigns against overwork, harrassment, and wage theft at City University

Since the branch was founded in April 2013:

  • 100s of members have been represented at disciplinaries and grievances – saving jobs, ending bullying and building confidence.
  • We have taken numerous cases to Employment Tribunals, securing substantial payouts to members in the process
  • We’ve grown from representing a handful of staff at University of London, to representing workers at UCL, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Goldsmiths, City and other universities across London. IWGB now has well over 5,000 members.
  • Through the IWGB-supported 3 Cosas campaign, outsourced workers at University of London now get proper sick pay and holiday pay, and were finally brought back in house on equal terms with everyone else. At UCL, outsourced workers won ‘parity’ with directly-employed staff, giving them better sick pay, pensions, and other employment rights.
  • Accredited WEA English classes have been provided, as well as conversation classes in both English and Spanish.
  • We’ve built a campaigning structure (including social media, close partnerships with student bodies and other unions, and support from MPs) dedicated to improving working conditions and protecting jobs.
  • Helped win the first increase in London Weighting at the University of London for 20 years (though we still think we could have got more).
  • Been at the forefront of the struggle to defend employees’ terms and conditions in the face of the University of London’s proposed plans for shared services.

We’re growing workers’ power as a union! Whether you’re a cleaner, lecturer, librarian, administrator or security guard, join us now and reclaim the university for all workers!