Yesterday marked the conclusion of our first five days of strike action. In freezing conditions our strike action was solidly supported at UCL and around the country. Shortly after midday many pickets and supporters joined the ‘March for education’. We have received reports of widespread cancellation of lectures, empty buildings and that campus was again…
Day 3 ended with UCL students sleeping overnight occupying the South Cloisters outside the Provost’s office in solidarity with the UCU strike. Yet last night Michael Arthur, UCL Provost and President, was still in denial, posting a missive to all staff recycling the public line of the employers’ federation Universities UK (UUK). The Provost’s (UUK’s) position turns…
Day two of our strike action was solidly supported at UCL and around the country. Pickets and supporters met to discuss the day and reported widespread cancellation of lectures, near empty buildings and all could see that campus was once again very quiet. UCL students prepared delicious hot food for us and we were pleased…
The first day of our strike is very well supported. A rush of new members have joined over the last few days. Some people picketing today joined the union yesterday. There are pickets at more buildings and entrances than ever before. Colleagues can still join the union and join the strike. UCL has said that…
The UCU strike begins at tomorrow 22 February, continues on Friday then Monday 26 through Wednesday 28 February inclusive. (Then 5-8 March and 12-16 March). During strike days, colleagues should desist from all work for the full 24 hour day. Although you may need to check your UCL email account, please don’t be tempted to…
Suggestions to help spread the word about our strike. Leaflets Resources to help explain our dispute to students include our locally produced leaflet and centrally produced on-line material. Shout-Outs UCLU (the students union) can arrange ‘shout-outs’ at the beginning of lectures to help explain why NUS and UCLU are supporting our strike action. These Sabbatical officers have agreed…
There will be an informal Action Committee organising meeting this Thursday, 15 February, 12:00-13:00, Room 106 Gordon House for everyone who wishes to be involved in the practical business of organising the strike (placards, posters and leaflets will be available for collection at this meeting). We have also organised an Extraordinary General Meeting on Monday 19 February,…
Resources available to help with convincing colleagues about the threat to the USS posed by the employers proposals To help with convincing colleagues about the threat to the USS posed by the employers proposals:
As we prepare to take strike action (starting on 22 February) this is to encourage you to write to your MP asking them to support our campaign to defend USS and sign Early Day Motion 619 on defending academic pensions (currently supported by 62 MPs). At the conclusion of the first five days of our strike action we invite…
UCL has stated it will be deducting 1/365th of salary for each strike day (pro rata for fractional full time equivalent posts). In agreeing to do this UCL is not unilaterally changing our contracts to oblige us to work at the weekend, but in the interests of good will and comparability with colleagues across the…
