The University and College Union announced that university staff will strike for three days in December over disputes about pay and pensions.
They warn that there will be three days’ action at 58 universities from December 1 through 3.
Earlier this month UCU members backed strike action in two separate ballots, one over pension cuts and one over pay & working conditions.
The UCU reported that 76% of its members supported strike action, while 88% of them voted to keep the strike at bay.
Over seven out of 10 members voted in the Pay and Working Conditions ballot (70.1%) back strike action, with 85% (84.9%) voting against any strike. Staff who take industrial action are supported by the National Union of Students.
If the unresolved row continues, members of the University and College Union (UCU), have voted for industrial action.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: ‘Strikes over three consecutive days are set to hit university campuses next month unless employers get round the table and take staff concerns over pension cuts, pay and working conditions seriously.
Employers have been repeatedly asked by the UCU to come to our meetings to settle these conflicts. While we have offered practical solutions to stop widespread disruption on UK campuses, the university bosses are refusing to reverse swinging pension cuts, or to negotiate issues such as casualisation, which is a major problem in higher education.
The solution is easy. If employers are determined to reduce pensions, exploit staff members who saved this sector from collapse during the pandemic, then campuses could face strikes before Christmas. These will lead to further industrial action and escalate into spring.
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