What’s happening?

Following a national ballot members of the University and College Union (UCU) and Unison have voted in favour of industrial action. This means that many UWE Bristol lecturers, researchers and other University staff who are a part of the UCU as well as Unison will be striking. UCU and Unison members will take action on 24, 25 and 30 November.

Additionally, on 23 November UCU staff members will also take part in action short of a strike, which can include not covering other people’s work, and boycotting assessments and feedback.

Why are staff striking?

UCU members across the UK voted in favour of industrial action as part of two separate ballots, one regarding pay and working conditions, and the other regarding pensions.

Demands relating to pay and working conditions include a meaningful pay rise to deal with cost of living crisis, as well as demands for action to end the use of insecure contracts.

In the pension dispute, the UCU is demanding employers revoke cuts and restore benefits. The cuts made earlier this year will mean that the average member will lose 35% from their guaranteed future retirement income.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'This is not a dispute about affordability - it is about choices. Vice-chancellors are choosing to pay themselves hundreds of thousands of pounds whilst forcing our members onto low paid and insecure contracts that leave some using foodbanks. They choose to hold billions in surpluses whilst slashing staff pensions.

'UCU members do not want to strike but are doing so to save the sector and win dignity at work. This dispute has the mass support of students because they know their learning conditions are our members' working conditions.’

How does this affect students?

How this will affect students at UWE Bristol will vary from person to person, but with lectures being cancelled students can expect disruption to their usual timetables. If you are experiencing disruption which is affecting your studies, The Students’ Union is here to support you we will be providing some space for students to keep warm, have some food and drink whilst the strikes are on, with some SU staff available if needed. Any UWE student is welcome to come and make use of the space and support available.

• Bower - The Students' Union at Bower space (near the Cafe)
• Frenchay - Union 1, Meeting Room 1
• Glenside - The Student Centre/The Students' Union, Meeting Room 1

Please note that the University’s graduation ceremonies at Bristol Cathedral from 21-25 November will be going ahead as normal despite the action.