There’s been much disruption to the academic year already. However, university students could find the end of this year and the beginning of the next affected by more strikes from university lectures. Many dates over the last two months had been cancelled as offers were reviewed. But yesterday, the UCU confirmed they have prepared for more industrial action.
Students in the UK may face more disruption as university lecture walks could continue into the next few months. This step means the Universities and Colleges Union are preparing for university strikes to continue.
The UCU Renew Their Mandate
As of April 3, the union have now renewed their mandate, meaning that they can take industrial action for another six months.
The UCU invited their members to vote in favour of the renewal on certain conditions. Strike action was approved by 86 per cent in the pay and working conditions ballot, with the pension ballot approved by 89.
They then announced that today, April 4, they will begin consultations with its members on a new proposal for employers. The UCU had paused strike action to review a recent offer. However, it was later rejected in favour of renewing the mandate.
This now means that more strike days can happen as the academic year comes to a close. As six months take us to October, it also means the start of the next academic year may see disruption to 150 universities.
Speaking about the renewal, UCU head Jo Grady said the following:
“Members will now be consulted on proposals in both disputes, and employers know strike action can be called again at will. Importantly, we have shown university bosses that it is staff who are in the driving seat.”
Are More University Strikes Planned?
No, there are not currently any university strikes planned. Although the mandate has been renewed, no industrial action days have been played.
Students were last affected by university strikes in February and March when 18 days of action were planned. However, the action was paused from Tuesday, February 21 to Thursday, March 2, with strikes cancelled in that period.
This was because the UCU believed “significant progress” had been made. Unfortunately, these talks with employers fell through and no deal was made.
Already, many students believe they are entitled to money back, with schemes like the Student Group Claim helping with compensation. However, research has shown that student support for the UCU strikes has increased.
It’s now up to university lecturers and other members of the UCU to decide whether further industrial action is required. Though no dates have been confirmed, this is certainly a step in the direction of more strike days.
Your university will keep you informed on the situation and if your classes will be affected by strikes.