Students of 68 UK Universities Affected by Strikes
More than a million students are predicted to be impacted by the 10-day university strike beginning on February 14th. The strike is occurring as a result of poor working conditions, pay, and disputes over pensions. 50,000 staff members are expected to take part.
The University and College Union has spoken on the strikes saying over 50,000 university staff were expected to take part in the most recent round of action over pensions, working conditions, and pay.
The staff is taking action over two separate disrupts. One is over pension cuts for members of the University Superannuation Scheme which offers pensions to the UK’s older universities. Second on the agenda is low pay and issues that come with insecure fixed contracts used to employ a bigger number of people.
The UCU has stated that If no agreement is reached over the course of the walks, 44 institutions would take part in the first week of action. Part two refers to the pensions and pay rates.
“For a sector that is worth tens of billions of pounds and enjoys record levels of student growth, it is beyond disgraceful that in return staff get vicious pension cuts, falling pay and are pushed to breaking point under deteriorating working conditions.”, says Jo Grady, UCU General Secretary.
Universities UK, which represents the employers in the pensions dispute, responded: “Evidence from employers shows that UCU’s industrial action is not having the desired effect, with diminishing levels of disruption reported in every walkout since 2018.”
Raj Jethwa, Chief Executive of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association has said rather than continuing the disruptions, the UCC should see how they can help. In addition, the National Union of Students announced their stand with the staff in their struggles and called on its members to take part in a student strike on the 2nd of March.
