EDIT – 18/2/23 – The UCU have announced that planned strikes between February 21st and March 2nd shall not take place.
This afternoon, the University and College Union have confirmed upcoming strike dates that will hit 150 universities across the UK. Aiming to improve working conditions and rectify pension cuts, the UCU have announced that approximately 70,000 UCU members will walk out over February and March.
Upcoming strike dates have been categorised into weeks. These include:
Week 1 – Wednesday 1 February
Week 2 – Thursday 9 and Friday 10 February
Week 3 – Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 February
Week 4 – Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 February
Week 5 – Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 February and Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 March
Week 6 – Thursday 16 and Friday 17 March
Week 7 – Monday 20, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 March
The UCU have stated that if this goes ahead, this will be the biggest series of strikes at UK universities.
On the 25th January, the UCU are meeting with the Universities and Colleges Employers Association to demand a meaningful pay rise to deal with the cost of living crisis, and ensure action to end the use of insecure job contracts.
With many students now used to strike action on campus, this will be the biggest disruption to student life so far.