Friday 05-11-2021 - 14:14

The University and College Union (UCU) recently balloted on taking strike action or ‘action short of a strike’ over disputes over pay and the USS pension scheme.

The results of these ballots have now been released, and confirm that University of Bristol academic staff and research postgraduates who teach, who are members of UCU, have voted in favour of taking strike action in this academic year over pension disputes, and pay and conditions.

This is a national issue, not just about Bristol, and any decisions on action will ultimately be influenced by UCU's national position.

It is disappointing that disputes remain ongoing, and that strike action has now been deemed as necessary.

We recognise the different frustrations currently being experienced within the student body. We know that this is an important subject which will impact students in different ways, and that there may be a divided opinion on it. We’re aware that this will affect the university experience of many, and we also respect the right of university staff to pursue industrial action.

What you can do now

We are committed to hearing from you on this issue, and putting the needs of our diverse body of students at the heart of our response to strikes.

Our position on the strikes can be read in full in this motion. On 23 November, we will discuss this position at Student Council. Please encourage your elected representatives (including Course and Faculty Reps, JCR, Society and Sports Club Presidents) to attend, and represent your voice by discussing and voting on our motion.

What we are working on now

The University and College Union (UCU) have now released their next steps, including the dates that strike action will be taking place.

University staff will take strike action from Wednesday 1 December - Friday 3 December.

Action short of a strike will begin on Wednesday 1 December and is defined as staff only working their contracted hours and duties and not volunteering to do more. This is set to go on indefinitely for the five months staff have a mandate to take industrial action for.

We will continue our attempts with relevant stakeholders - the University, UUK (Universities UK) and UCEA (The Universities and Colleges Employers Association) - to re-open negotiations and end the dispute, and to minimise the impact of strike action on your educational experience.

We will issue more detailed information on how strikes might affect you and what you can do next week, all of which will be available at www.bristolsu.org.uk/strikes.

Updated 16 November 2021