Open Uni strikers prepared to go the distance


Bristol

UCU members in the Open University took strike action on 25 November against plans to close the university’s regional offices, threatening over 500 jobs.

A former student stopped by at the picket line in Bristol to offer support and explained what the closures would have meant for her.

She said the support from the regional office had been vital to her studies and she would not have been able to travel long distance to events.

The strike was solid and pickets hoped that if further action is necessary UCU members would be joined by their colleagues in Unison who are also under threat.

Tom Baldwin, Bristol Socialist Party

Camden

The lively UCU picket line at the Open University in Camden, north London got a good response from passing motorists. UCU members are determined to fight these plans and further rolling strike action took place on 30 November. Pickets reported good support from Unison members at the Open University despite them not being balloted for strike action.

Chris Newby