The UK has suffered from months of disruption due to strikes across multiple sectors. Teachers and university staff are no different, with strikes held towards the end of 2022. With the potential for more in the coming weeks, students will want to know if the teachers’ strikes will affect universities.
Several sectors took to striking in 2022 over fair pay and working conditions. Postal workers, train drivers and nurses are just three of many careers that took to the picket line to stand up for themselves. As 2023 begins, strikes are continuing to happen with planned train strikes this week (January 3) and driving instructors also striking.
Though teachers were involved in striking action last year, not enough for done and more strikes are being prepared for in the coming weeks.
Why Are Teachers Striking?
Similar to why other sectors are striking, teachers want more pay in line with rising inflation. Teachers received a 5 per cent pay rise this year, however, their argument is that this is actually a pay due to inflation rising to 11 per cent.
The BBC reports that a revised pay rise of 6.85 per cent was offered to teachers in Scotland. However, the Educational Institue of Scotland, their largest teachers’ union, rejected this. They are asking for a 10 per cent pay rise, more in line with the cost of living crisis.
On average, state school teachers were paid an average of £38,982 last year, rising to £74,095 for head teachers.
In Scotland, industrial action will be taking place on January 10 and 11. A further 16 days of strikes will then take place across the country between January 16 and February 6.
Will The Teacher’s Strike Affect Universities?
No, university staff are part of different unions to university staff. Theoretically, universities should be operating as normal although Primary and Secondary school teachers will be striking.
That being said, strike action can result in school closures. So, you may find that your lecturers or other university staff might have to take the day off to look after their children. If a school closes unexpectantly, then your lecturers are within their rights to take time off to care for a dependant.
In England and Wales, it is up to the headteachers whether a school will close. In Scotland, it is decided by the council.
Currently, a number of ballots are open to decide whether teachers will strike in the next few weeks.
In November 2022, over 70,000 university staff strikes over three days. Like most other professions striking, there are disputes over working conditions, pay and pensions.
Currently, there are no solidified plans for further strike action in 2023. However, the Univerity and College Union are urging members to prepare to take action. Jo Grady, the General Secretary for the UCU tweeted the following on New Year’s Day:
So, it is likely won’t be any disruption to universities due to teachers striking. But, there may very well be further UCU strikes in 2023.