UCU Announces Strike Action
Image Source: UCU
The University and College Union (UCU) has announced that there will be industrial action in universities across the country, including University of Leicester.
Full strike action will take place on the following dates:
- Thursday 24 November 2022
- Friday 25 November 2022
- Wednesday 30 November 2022.
The University campus will remain open as usual on strike days and students will be able to access all buildings. However, some teaching events may be cancelled. We contacted both the University of Leicester and UCU Leicester for comment.
In a statement from Professor Henrietta O’Connor, Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of Leicester, she states: “This was a national ballot in relation to an ongoing trade union dispute with UCU about pay and pensions.
“Whilst we appreciate that no member of staff participates in industrial action lightly, it has the potential to have an impact on our students and their education.
“We are working on a set of plans to manage the situation and mitigate the impact on our students and colleagues.”
When approached for comment, UCU said: “The UK university sector generated a record income of £41.1bn last year with vice chancellors collectively earning an estimated £45million. The sector can more than afford to meet staff demands.
“We never undertake action lightly. Members are at breaking point. We are doing this to save the institutions we love, and to achieve dignity at work.”
UCU’s main reasons for this strike action are to:
- Secure a meaningful pay rise to address over a decade of below inflation salary uplifts.
- Stamp out insecure and casual contracts.
- Revoke pension cuts imposed earlier this year.
- Address equality pay gaps (E.g. Gender Pay Gap at Leicester is 20%)
When asked about their action will impact students, they commented: “If our demands are met it will mean happier, more contented, less overburdened staff, which will mean they will be better placed to support you whilst at University.
“It will also mean less staff turnover as more will be on secure contracts, which will create greater stability in your learning, both through teaching and learning support. It will also mean quicker response times for your urgent queries.
“Our working conditions are your learning conditions.”
If you have worries and need support, please contact your School, Student Support Services, or the Students’ Union Advice Service. If you have any other questions, email industrialaction@le.ac.uk.
