Indefinite strike action by University College Union (UCU) members began at the University of Leeds on 15 June, following the implementation of 100% pay deductions for staff taking part in the national marking and assessment boycott (MAB).
The MAB is to back up the recent national strike action over the pension scheme and pay. Employers in different universities have responded differently to the boycott, with varying threats of pay deductions. UCU members at 14 other universities have taken or announced strike action, including eight days of strikes at Liverpool John Moores University, and nine days at the University of Leicester.
Unison members at Leeds have successfully reballoted over pay and began a programme of 11 days of strike action. Another six Unison university branches renewed their mandates for strike action in reballots, and a further 28 universities are balloting for strike action.
Lewis Rees reports that on 16 June UCU members at Liverpool John Moore’s University picketed at the Open Day. “A show of solidarity between parents, students, and staff was on full display, as warm welcomes and discussions took place on the picket line regarding the future of universities.”
A Leeds UCU striker spoke to the Socialist:
“Morale is high. While there is no ongoing teaching for most of the university at this stage in the academic year, open days are being disrupted. Nothing screams ‘Don’t come to this uni’ more than strikers telling you the quality of education here is rapidly declining due to poor management! It helps that Unison is out at the same time. And also the junior doctors’ picket was very close to campus.”
