BECTU Opposes Tuition Fees Rise

Broadcast union BECTU members and branches are being encouraged to lend their support to the University and College Union and to the National Union of Students as they work together in the run-up to the Parliamentary vote on tuition fees this Thursday 9 December.
Sally Hunt and Aaron Porter, leaders of the two organisations, have appealed to all TUC affiliated unions to support the days of action on local campuses today (Wednesday 8 December) and to send messages of support to the lobby of Parliament taking place on the day of the vote, Thursday 9 December.
In a letter to all TUC affiliates, Sally Hunt and Aaron Porter said: "UCU and NUS have now announced the details of the peaceful protests we are organising on 9 December, the day that the House of Commons votes on tuition fees.
"We are writing to ask you to support our nationally organised events to show the whole movement supports us.
"There are countless initiatives around at the moment but what university staff and students need is your support for our national rally and candlelit vigil.
"The rally, which is the only official event organised by the NUS and UCU, is currently scheduled to start at 3pm at the Westminster end of Victoria Embankment - and the candlelit vigil is likely to begin at around 4.30pm.
"UCU and NUS protests will be peaceful and with public safety - especially that of children - paramount.
"Our campaign is already having a massive impact upon the political situation in general and the anti-cuts agenda in particular," she said.
(BMcC/GK)