Industrial Action information & FAQ
Industrial Action information & FAQ
Many of you will have seen that UCU (University and Colleges Union) have nationally balloted to take strike action. This was a record-breaking voting turnout from national UCU members, making history with an 81.1% ballot.
Winchester Student Union has also been made aware that another Union, UNISON, have voted to take strike action in addition to the strike action proposed by UCU.
At Winchester Student Union we thought it would be beneficial to let you know about what striking means, who UCU and UNISON are, as well as what this will mean for you as a student at the University of Winchester.
Who are UCU?
The University and College Union (UCU) represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians, technicians, professional staff and postgraduates working within learning institutions such as universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations, across the UK. Not every staff member in the above institutions are part of UCU. Independently, staff can elect to join the UCU.
Who are UNISON
UNISON is a public service Union, and the Higher Education branch represents non-academic university staff working in professional services, including cleaners, administrators, IT, library, catering, maintenance and security etc.
Is there a Winchester branch of UCU?
Yes, there is. 222 members of staff at the University of Winchester are members of UCU. The Winchester UCU Branch have their own independent social media. Here at Winchester Student Union, we meet regularly with UCU and will remain in communication with them throughout the planned strike action.
Is there a Winchester branch of UNISON?
Again yes, there is. Though at this time we do not know the exact number of staff members at the University of Winchester are members of UNISON. The Winchester UNISON Branch have voted locally to take strike action parallel to the UCU strikes, but only on the 24th & 25th of November.
What is the difference between local/national action?
Local action is driven by a ballot where the local branch votes independently for matters pertaining to their university, whereas national ballots are broader with a blanket response directing action for all Union branches. Local branches can choose to ballot members at any point, independently from other branches. National ballots must be called in collaboration with all branches. Strike action from UCU was decided nationally. Strike action from Unison was decided locally.
What do the strikes mean?
UCU nationally will be striking on Thursday 24th, Friday 25th and Wednesday 30th of November. They also will be completing Action Short of Strike (ASOS*) from the 23rd November. For full details of why they are striking look on the UCU website but below are key points that reflect the balloted strike action:
- Striking over pay (members want a 12% pay settlement).
- Want to close the gender, ethnic and disability pay gaps.
- Want an agreed framework to eliminate precarious employment contracts (casual contracts).
- Want excessive workloads addressed, as well as unpaid work.
- Want standard weekly full-time employment to be 35 hrs.
- Want cuts to pension schemes revoked and ensure that all valuations of financial health to be evidence based.
*ASOS - which includes working to rule, refusing to make up for lost work as a result of strike action and covering absent colleagues.
UNISON will be striking locally on the 24th & 25th of November and are striking for a pay rise that keeps up with inflation. UNISON state that a below-inflation pay rise of 3% for most Higher Education staff, and between 9% and 3% for those on pay points 3 to 19, is insufficient. For full details of why they are striking you can visit the UNISON website.
What does this mean for staff?
On those days staff who are striking will be on picket lines. You may be told prior to the strikes whether classes are cancelled or if other University services are affected (such as library, catering, etc), or you may find out on the day. Staff do not have to inform you if they are striking. For those striking this is taking an unpaid day away from teaching or their services role.
What does that mean for students?
You should still plan to attend your classes; however, you should be aware that class cancellations may occur at short notice. There may be other disruption to services, ranging from library access and catering provision, through to Student Services and IT helpdesk. UCU have outlined that if your learning is affected it will not be rescheduled and resources will not be put online. The University assures us they will do all they can to minimise the impact to your teaching. The Student Union have asked that any staff salary saving made from staff striking is allocated to hardship funding for students.
Can I ask who is involved?
As stated, staff do not have to say whether they are striking, but they may choose to inform you. You are within your rights to ask if you as a student will be affected, but you may not receive an answer. We will be asking UCU and UNISON to be as mindful as practicable about informing students ahead of time if they will be affected by strike action.
What is a picket line? Will I be able to access campus?
A picket line is a boundary established by staff who are on strike; at Winchester we have been informed there will be picket lines on Sparkford Road outside the main University entrance (near Reception), outside Medecroft, as well as up at West Downs. The picket line will be formed of a number of staff standing outside the entrances to campus, often holding signs and/or flags, and they may ask staff and students not to cross the picket line in solidarity with the strike.
It is your personal choice as to whether you want to cross the picket line, staff cannot stop you from entering campus or campus buildings and they are required to leave a gap big enough for you to walk through. You may wish to speak to staff on the picket lines to find out more about why they are striking, and you may also choose to not cross the picket line, however if you would rather just walk past you will be able do so.
What is the Student Union’s stance on this?
The Student Union is here to represent our student body, to ensure their interests are met. We arranged meetings separately with UCU and University Executive Leadership to discuss further, and throughout the process of coming to a standpoint our priority is always what is best for our students. After consultation with the Student Union elected Executive Committee, we released our Statement on Industrial Strike Action which you can read here.
Winchester Student Union services such as shops, laundry and bar spaces will not be affected by this industrial action.
I need support, can you help?
If you need further support you can contact our Advice Centre via our website. The Student Union Advice Centre is independent from the University and is able to support you through the process of making a complaint if you feel your studies have been significantly affected by the strike action.
If you have any questions, please do contact Charlotte.Baker@winchester.ac.uk (Student Union President) and/or Dan.Chevalier@winchester.ac.uk (Vice President, Education & Welfare)
