Because a strong turn-out strengthens the union. The university prides itself on listening, and the union is the voice of a large body of its staff. Striking, and visibility on the picket lines, gives a clear message that our concerns must be addressed. Not only will it help in the current campaign on pay, it also boosts the union's standing in all aspects of negotiation.
Because it has the support of the student body. The Sheffield University Students Union last week passed a motion of unconditional support for the action. In it, they note that "student education is adversely affected by demoralised and undervalued staff" and resolve to "work and organise with other student and trade unions to mobilise against cuts, privatisation and marketisation in education".
It is important to remember that this strike would not be happening if universities had listened to and treated staff fairly on pay levels, and taken action to address injustices on the gender pay gap and overuse of casual contracts.
Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th May
Overworked + Undervalued = No good for students
Strike days: have you considered picketing?
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Picketing on the strike days, 25th and 26th May
A strong presence on the day of strikes is a big boost to how effectively strike action works. Please consider joining members on the picket lines on the morning of the strike days. For those who've never done it before, it can be a fun way to chew over issues with colleagues you rarely get the chance to talk to about such things.
We'll be picketing the main university buildings from 7:45 to 11:00 on both strike days next week. Report to the concourse in front of the Students' Union from 7.45am onwards to get an armband and your choice of placard. You can picket either your own building or another site.
If you plan to picket and haven't contacted us, it would help if let us know at ucu@sheffield.ac.uk (or through your departmental contact) so we have an idea of numbers.
Strike Action and Working to Contract FAQs: http://bit.ly/25aDzfw
6 days to action… Why strike?
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6 days to action... Why strike?
Because it marks the start of robust action. The strike on 25th/26th May and working to contract which follows is only the beginning: UCU has asked branches to hold an additional day of strike action in June or July at a date of their choosing for maximum local impact. External examiners are being asked to resign their positions, and there are plans for further action around A-level results day.
In the interests of increasing democracy in the union, we invite members to suggest the day they consider to be the best choice for a University of Sheffield specific strike below.
Which day should we strike? http://bit.ly/1sB53tM
Strike Action and Working to Contract FAQs: http://bit.ly/25aDzfw
7 days to action… Why strike?
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7 days to action... Why strike?
Because members have voted for it. Acting together, and supporting members' decisions is a crucial part of being in a trade union. Even if this action isn't high on your priority list, it matters to the majority, and they need your support.
STRIKE ACTION OVER PAY & RELATED ISSUES!
Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th MAY
Persistent gender pay gap + Over-use of casual contracts + 15% pay devaluation = Understandable discontent