On the AGM (18/3/2026) we passed a motion that sets a new strategy and framework for a dispute with management centred on Jobs, Pay and Democracy. See the motion and a companion document. Our three pillars (click on each to know more): Jobs, Pay and Democracy.

After consultation and extensive debate, the branch has decided to “unpause” and open a dispute with management. We held a first meeting with management in early April and we presented our demands. Management refused most of them. Given the failure to agree, we are now in a trade dispute with them. We will hold more meetings. If those talks fail, we will ballot members to ask whether they would be willing to take industrial action. To get there in good shape, we all need to tell others about this dispute. We must talk to colleagues and discuss in the spaces that we have: reps meetings, GM, meetings at the Department or School level.

Did all of the 60 attendees to the AGM agree with this motion? No, we did not. We had a good debate among members, with some disagreeing with certain parts of it, and others wishing other issues had been brought more to the front. A member reminded others that this is an agreement that needs to bring the maximum number of people onboard (Spoiler: we won’t get anything if it’s not a lot of us demanding it).

Is this all we are doing? No. We have an ongoing dispute with management around Palestine solidarity and we have other campaigns in progress. We want to organise around how maternity leave is handled (with different arrangements across KCL), conduct a survey on probation and promotion (we are hearing that it is becoming harder and harder, but we have yet to be given data by management), and much more. If you have proposals, ideas, or want to know more, tell us!!!