More than 70,000 members of the University and College Union (UCU) are set to begin the first of three consecutive days of strike action across the UK, marking a significant escalation in their ongoing dispute over pay, working conditions, and pensions. This latest wave of industrial action, which affects universities and colleges nationwide, is expected to disrupt lectures, tutorials, and administrative services, impacting hundreds of thousands of students.
The strikes come amid growing frustration among academic staff over what the UCU describes as “chronically low pay” and “unsustainable workloads.” According to the union, real-term pay for university staff has fallen by over 25% since 2009, while pension benefits have been significantly reduced. The UCU has also raised concerns about the increasing use of precarious contracts, which leave many early-career academics in financial insecurity.
This is not the first time the UCU has taken industrial action in recent years. Since 2018, the union has organised multiple strikes and protests, but negotiations with employers have yet to yield a satisfactory resolution. The current of strikes is part of a broader campaign that includes marking boycotts and other forms of protest, which could extend into the summer if no agreement is reached.
Dr. Jo Grady, General Secretary of the UCU, emphasised the urgency of the situation: “Our members are not taking this action lightly. They are fighting for the future of higher education and for fair treatment of those who work tirelessly to support students and research.”
For students, the strikes could mean cancelled classes and delayed assessments, adding to the challenges already faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many student unions have expressed sympathy for staff while calling for a swift resolution to avoid further disruption.
As the strikes begin, all eyes are on university employers and the UCU to see whether renewed negotiations can break the deadlock. In the meantime, students and staff are being advised to stay updated on developments and prepare for potential disruptions to their schedules.
For more details on the strikes and their impact, read the full story here.
