Upcoming Industrial Action: Information for students and staff
The University and College Union (UCU) has called for a period of discontinuous strike action across the higher education in response to a national dispute on pay, equality, workload and casualisation. Strike action took place in December 2021 and now further days are planned for February and March. This is alongside action short of a strike (ASOS) which started on 1 December 2021.
Following a recent ballot for industrial action UNISON have now notified the University that it is calling on its members to take industrial action, this will consist of one day of strike action during February as part of the same dispute.
Strike action will take place on the following days:
Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 February (UCU)
Monday 28 February (UCU & UNISON), Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 March (UCU).
Further information for both staff and students regarding arrangements is available on in our FAQs.
It is likely that the strike action will mean that some classes will be cancelled and coursework affected. However, we are asking students to attend classes and engage with course material (whether on campus or online) unless advised otherwise. We will endeavour to tell you via email or the Hub if any of your classes are cancelled but this might not always be possible as UCU members do not have to tell the University in advance if they are taking strike action.
It is our strong view that students should not be penalised because of this national dispute, and we will do all we can to minimise disruption.
We know that union members along with all staff genuinely care about the academic welfare of students, and some may have told you already about their plans. During the period of the action, you will be able to enter and leave the campus freely. Some campus services may be modified or adapted on these days.
Please be assured that the University leadership team understands the strength of feeling amongst staff. We continue to address at a local level the issues that underlie the dispute at a national level.
We continue to be committed to ensuring fair and equitable working conditions for all, and to continuing our positive work with colleagues in UCU, EIS and UNISON, to make further improvements.
17 February 2022
