Lluis Bertolin, UCU member
On 8 February, the University of Birmingham branch of the University and College Union (UCU) overwhelmingly passed a motion calling upon the UCU leadership to schedule a day of industrial action on 15 March. The resolution had been published in the Socialist.
That day is Budget Day, and the NEU and PCS unions have already notified that they plan on striking then, with demonstrations in London and Cardiff already announced.
It is important that UCU takes active steps towards coordinating with other unions and building solidarity. As well as escalating national action, striking together on 15 March would put the Tories and the employers under enormous pressure.
View the ‘UCU model motion to join others on 15 March’ here – adapt for your own use
‘The way to stand up is to collectively strike’
UCU members continue to take strike action around the country as part of the ongoing 18-day strike campaign.
“I’m striking for fair pay and pensions. I’m striking for academics. I’m striking to ensure the best education for students. And that their money actually goes towards their education.” This is what Eleanor Mason, a communication and marketing manager in the UCU union, told Socialist Party member Ian Pattison.
On why we all need to strike together, Eleanor said: “Workers’ rights are being slowly chipped away, so this would be a turning point nationally. The only way to stand up is to collectively strike.”
