Another tribunal (UCU this time)

A lot of these cases are settled before court/tribunal now though because the lawyers know it is doomed. At least five cases like that last year.

February 2023 Raquel Rosario Sanchez vs Bristol Student Union
out of court settlement

June 2023 Claudia Clare vs University of the Arts London
out of court settlement apology paid damages

09/09/2023 Sibyl Ruth vs Cornerstones Literary agency
out of court settlement EAT apology substantial damages

Sept 2023 Cathy Boardman vs Brighton Institute of Modern Music
out of court settlement Employment Tribunal apology

11/12/2023 James Esses vs United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
out of court settlement apology

After the conclusive results from Rachel Meade and Jo Phoenix's cases which went to tribunal last month it is clear how courts and tribunals view this stuff.

UCU fighting on to a loss might be a better result for gender crits though in terms of impact.

I don’t think they’ll fold, no. Let’s see where this goes.

But not having a functioning union is terrible for our sector.

£15,315 so far. I wonder if the UCU will fold after the hearing in March.

Pretty clear there is no way they can win this based on previous cases, but they might hold on till they lose. Be a good win too as it can help trigger change in the entire university and trade union sector. Trade unions are a train wreck right now on gender.

You can make a claim to an employment tribunal if you think someone has treated you unlawfully, such as your employer, a potential employer or a trade union.

sorry to sound thick, but if they aren't the employer, how can they be taken to a tribunal?

From the relevant website:

We now have our preliminary hearing on March 26th 2024. The purpose of this hearing will be to identify the issues and set directions and a case timetable. At last UCU will have to account for their behaviour rather than sticking their fingers in their collective ears and screaming 'transphobe' at all and sundry.

That's a procedural hearing. I don't even know if it'll be open to the public. The substantive hearing with evidence and witnesses will be taking place after that. It's possible it might not even happen in 2024.

Some choice comments from those who have supported the case:

”I was a member 10 years ago; they’re a disgrace to the TU movement.”

”It is extremely authoritarian to stifle feminist debate by labelling it 'transphobic', and shocking that an academic union allowed this to happen.”

”As UCU member (retired) I'm appalled at the turn taken by the UCU against free speech, of Kathleen Stock etc. In strong support of your challenge.”

“As a former NATFHE branch secretary, I am shocked at what its successor, UCU, has turned into.”

”UCU has defamed, harassed and silenced gender critical scholars. It’s concerted attack on academic freedom and feminist inquiry makes academia a hostile environment for women.”

“This is what I'd normally pay for my UCU membership, which I've just cancelled.”

Quite cathartic, reading this …😌

For those looking for more information on this case, the crowd justice website might be useful. The people involved are Deirdre O'Neill and Michael Wayne.

This could be a VERY interesting case to watch for those of us who have developed a terminal disdain for the coterie of self-satisfied, vapid and craven pseudo-intellectuals that populate the upper echelons of UCU.