I am currently unavailable and taking part in national University and College Union’s (UCU) strike action. This is in a dispute around cuts to pensions, and around fair pay; casualisation; pay inequality; and unsustainable workloads (the Four Fights). Specific grievances with the University of Strathclyde’s recent actions are outlined here.

This is the second time this year that we have been on strike  – since the last strike action in February, Strathclyde has supported changes to the pension scheme that will see an average of 35% lost to members, despite them paying more.

It is the action around pension changes in particular for which Strathclyde members crossed the ballot threshold for strike action. 78% of our members also voted for strike action relating to the four fights, however we were thwarted by the undemocratic, anti-strike legislation in the UK, missing the 349 returned vote threshold by 7 voters. For context, action was supported by 38% of our total membership and was judged invalid; the current UK government enjoys an 80 seat majority based on the support of 29% of the electorate.

The strike dates at Strathclyde are:

Monday 21 March  – Friday 25 March

University sector management has refused to respond to the reasonable demands of staff for fair pay and working conditions.

To do our jobs properly—educating students and supporting and conducting quality research—things must change. We strike in solidarity with our students, to fight for the universities, working conditions and learning environments we all deserve.

I will respond to your email after strike action is concluded. However, as part of our campaign, I will only be working my contracted hours upon returning to work. Because the Higher Education sector relies on overwork by staff this will mean a delay in responding to your email.