You voted, and so the Student Union officially supports the striking University staff.
Our Position
The Student Union officially supports the striking University staff.
We ran an all-student vote to find out what students think about the ongoing dispute between the University and staff. 92.8% voted for the Student Union to support the striking staff.
To show solidarity with staff we encourage students to attend the University and Colleges Union (UCU) picket lines at the University entrance on the morning of strike days 8-11am. Planned strike days are as follows:
FAQs
What can I do to support striking staff?
Why is this Strike happening?
The UCU have stated that this dispute is centred around three concerns:
How will the University’s ‘rightsizing’ affect students?
The University has stated that any cuts will not directly affect current students. No programmes or courses will end whilst you are still on them.
We have similar concerns to the UCU that when staffing levels are cut, there is less time and capacity to support you in your studies, and this can have a significant impact on your student experience.
What is industrial action?
Industrial action is the overall term for actions that a trade union might take in response to failed discussions with an employer on specific topics. This includes strike action, where employees do not turn up to work.
What is a picket line and can I join it?
A picket line is where employees will stand outside of the workplace when they are on strike. The UCU invites students to join them on the picket line, we encourage students do! It can be a lot of fun and a good opportunity to speak with staff in a different context.
What are compulsory redundancies?
Compulsory redundancies are central to this wave of industrial action. If compulsory redundancies go ahead some University staff will be forced to leave their jobs due to their jobs not being considered ‘necessary’ anymore.
Do lecturers get paid when they’re on strike?
No. striking staff take a pay cut. These unused funds usually get added to the University’s student hardship fund.
Should I attend my classes?
This one’s up to you! If you are on a visa or could be capped due to lack of attendance, we recommend you attend your classes as normal - they may be cancelled but they might not be.
Some students will choose to not turn up to classes in solidarity with strike action. If you choose to do this, we recommend you email ahead to explain why you will not be attending.
Can I ask my lecturers if they will be taking part in strike action?
University staff do not have to disclose whether they are a member of UCU nor whether they will be taking strike action. They might choose to tell you anyway, but they don’t have to.