The new contracts will give staff greater job security, a pay increase of 10-15%, additional annual leave, and provide allowances for staff development.
Tim Sharp, senior employment rights officer at the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said that the case represented a step in the right direction against insecure work in the country.
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Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “For too long, insecure contracts and low pay have been rife in higher education. This victory from UCU is a significant moment for the sector, and will mean associate lecturers at the Open University have better rights, more secure jobs and higher pay.
“It’s time to end the scourge of insecure work across the country. We need stronger employment rights to stop companies firing at will, enhanced union rights so workers can bargain for better pay and conditions and a ban on zero hours contracts now.”
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, added: "The new contract is life changing for the 4,800 associate lecturers who have been moved onto secure contracts that mean they no longer have to re-apply for their jobs every year.
“UCU is immensely proud of reaching this agreement, with The Open University, after many years of hard work and while we recognise there is still more to do, we are celebrating this huge step forward in ending casualisation at the OU."
In contrast to the joy experienced by Open University lecturers, Amazon warehouse workers in Essex staged a walkout over a pay dispute.
Staff had expected a £2 pay rise in line with inflation to aid with the increasing cost of living, but walked out after learning their pay rises would only amount to 35p.
Amazon attested its pay was competitive, and said staff were also offered a benefits package worth thousands annually.
