You may have heard about the University and College Union announcing strike action. Below we have collated some information to help you understand what strike action is, when it might take place and how you can find out more information.
The National Union of Students (NUS) has backed the strikes, which will be the biggest ever to hit UK universities and could impact 2.5 million students.
In the pension dispute, UCU is demanding employers revoke the cuts and restore benefits. The package of cuts made last year will see the average member lose 35% from their guaranteed future retirement income. For those at the beginning of their career the losses are in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.
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UCU: UCU are the University and College union, representing staff in higher education institutions across the UK.
Industrial Action: Industrial action is any form of protest taken by staff against their employer, over grievances with pay, working conditions or other terms of employment. This can consist of a complete strike or action short of a strike (ASOS).
Strike: An organised stoppage of work by staff for a period of time, for the purpose of disrupting the regular business of an employer. This is usually a last resort for unions to take if regular negotiations do not work.
USS: Universities Supernnuation Scheme – the primary pension scheme offered by higher education institutions.
UCEA: Universities and Colleges Employers Association – represent universities in national negotiations with government bodies, unions and other organisations.
Picket line: A picket line is where workers and union reps ('picketers' or 'pickets') stand outside a workplace to tell other people why they are striking. Pickets may also ask people not to: do some of their usual work
September 2023 update
Strike days for Exeter:
Monday 25th September
Tuesday 26th September
Wednesday 27th September
Thursday 28th September
Friday 29th September
If you have any further concerns about industrial action, please contact your Presidents by email on presidents@thesu.org.uk