Recently, NTU managers formally de-recognised the UCU branch after ongoing attempts by the university to amend the union's recognition agreement with the university - which would result in cutting union-rep facility time by 80% and marginalising campus unions "in favour of a 'consultation and information forum' that would include non-union representation".

UCU branches at other higher education institutions forwarded 11,000 signatures in condemning the management attacks on unions - a banner containing the petition was unveiled to university board of governors on Monday. NTU refused the press and media access to enter its Clifton Campus to cover the dispute. UCU branches across the country are observing the NTU dispute as a precedent set in NTU could be attempted by managers at other universities.

Voting on industrial action by UCU members at NTU closed on Monday 29th and over three quarters (77% of those who did vote) voted for strike action.
The local branch has organised a rally planned for 6 October and UCU warned that if there is not a breakthrough in negotiations staff will take strike action on Tuesday 21 October.

Sally Hunt. UCU general secretary, said: 'Nottingham Trent University needs to understand that UCU does not take threats like this lightly. Union members have a right to expect to be properly protected at work and not messed around like this. Nobody involved with NTU wants to be taking industrial action, but the university's conduct has forced members into this position.'

More info
 http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=3504