We reproduce here a UCU members concern in regard to the lack of legal aid he received. We have kept his identity confidential in view of his current litigation with his University.
Dear All
Your
email was forwarded to me because I have similar problems with UCU and
Thompsons.
I was
attacked (twice) in the Staff Building (G block) in front of my office; the
second time the assailants entered the building through the “Fire Exit” (see
the contradiction in terms), the security did not intervene despite the fact
they were called even before and during the first attack was taking place,
(their office was fifty yards away from office), no records were available
despite the numbers of CCTV cameras installed. While slowly leaving, after the
first assault one of the yobs told me they will come back and “do me”, which
they did. Unfortunately the security did not bother to come to my assistance
despite the threat. In conclusion no one was arrested.
Recently
some emails brought to my attention that a similar security problem have
continued to develop at the new Univ Docklands campus, but instead of a
solution the main concern for the local
UCU branch and the Univ's management is: is damage limitation: “- we don't want a
news leak which means the campus is identified with crime and danger.”
First of
all, my case for criminal negligence against the Univ was passed from one solicitor
to another and delayed until it almost run out of time (with the blessing and
guidance from UCU, in my opinion and understanding). At that point, I contacted
Thompsons Head Office and UCU Head Office (Sally Hunt) and I made it clear that
in my situation I had nothing to lose and I am prepared to do whatever it takes
against the people I consider responsible for this.
If this
means disregarding the current rules that`s OK with me because:
My job at
UEL is compromised anyway by my legal case against the University and my
current medical condition,
I can not
focus anymore on PhD supervision and/or do research work,
No other
university would employ someone with a history of depression,
I can not
even change my mortgage lender or my life insurance because of my medical file
I will be
on medical treatment all the rest of my life.
As a
result of my letter Thompsons sent me some apologies and started to show more
interest in my case but Sally Hunt from UCU did not even bother to acknowledge
my letter. So much about the UCU professed support for its members. As far as I
know Thompsons followed the UCU advice in my case. Therefore, for me, UCU is
just a platform for some demagogues to pursue a career and get fat wages and
privileges. It is just dirty politics and I stated this clearly to the local
UCU officials.
I copied
to you some of Thomsons apologies:
“I agree
with you that have been delay in your case which is not acceptable.
“I accept
that we should have been more proactive in this respect and should have got the
documents sooner. Please accept my apologies.”
“Whilst I am of the opinion that these cases
are difficult and yours is also not without its difficulty, having reviewed the
file I am of the opinion that your case is stronger than others I have seen and
we should start proceedings in the County Court.”
“I feel
that we have failed to meet our usual high standards and in these circumstances
please accept my apologies on behalf of the Partnership.”
“If I can
be of further assistance do not hesitate to contact me.”
One would
have expected these statements would have resulted in some real improvements.
I am very
disgusted by UCU; as mentality, the UCU management is not so much different of
the mentality of the racist thugs who attacked and tried to kill me. Both try
to get away without any regard to the victims. The apparent difference is that
UCU pretends to defend its members while the yobs are more honest in their
intentions.
Yours
Sincerely
XX
