Industrial action guidance and upcoming meetings
UCU has called 8 days of strike action, starting on the 25th of November and continuing through the 4th of December. While Sheffield UCU committee remains hopeful that Universities UK (who represent the employers on USS) and UCEA (who represent the employers on pay) will return to meaningful negotiations, we will be locally preparing for industrial action in the event that they do not.
Our students are standing with us. The National Union of Students has declared their support, and last week, our local Student’s Union Council voted to support our strike action.
We have put together a Sheffield UCU industrial action document, which should hopefully answer many of your questions, and a specific set of guidance for GTAs and PGRs. We will continue to update these documents as and when we get more information, and will let you know when we do.
How can you get involved? We need your help! There is a trade union adage about the power of collective action: “The longer the picket line, the shorter the strike.” This sentiment applies before the start of the strike as well–the more visible we are collectively, the more we show our employer that we demand real, substantive change in our sector. See our Guidance Document for more ideas of how you can get involved, but for a start, we have three upcoming meetings before the start of industrial action.
Pre-Strike Roadshows: In addition to any department meetings your SUCU departmental rep might be organising, we are holding two ‘Roadshows’ aimed at addressing concerns and queries from staff and students, members and non-members on what the strike action will involve
- Monday, 18 November 1-2 Dainton LT1
- Friday, 22 November 1-2 Alfred Denny LT2
SUCU branch General Meeting: In addition to discussing any updates on the imminent industrial action, there are several important motions that have been tabled by our members. Please attend, and bring a colleague! Our agenda is attached.
- Thursday, 21 November 1-2 Council Room Firth Court