STRIKE FAQ'S
National Strike FAQs are now available - see: https://www.ucu.org.uk/uss-action-faqs and also: https://www.ucu.org.uk/uss.
National Guidance for Staff on Casualised Contracts is available here: ussstrike_briefing-note-for-casualised-members.pdf
Local Strike FAQS are below
- What am I expected to do during a strike?
- Do I have to tell my employer that I am taking strike action?
- I’m a Head of Department, do I have to tell my employer that I am taking strike action?
- What about my students?
- Am I breaking my contract by taking strike action?
- How much money will I lose?
- How will it affect my pension?
- What will happen to the money the university will save on payroll during the strike?
- What is the law on picketing?
- I've never picketed before - what do I do?
- I am not a union member. Can I take part in the strike?
- How late can someone join the union and still take part in strike action?
- I'm a Researcher fully funded by external bodies. Should I go on strike?
- I’m a UCU member but not a USS member. Should I go on strike?
- I'm a PhD student who teaches and am on a University Scholarship/Bursary - should I go on strike?
- I'm on an hourly paid contract - what should I do?
- Is there a Strike Fund?
- None of the FAQs listed here help me, what should I do?
Why we are striking
- There is huge anger that our pension is under attack.
- The employers want to end guaranteed pension benefits.
- They say our final pension should depend on how our 'investments' perform and not on our contributions. We say it's wrong to risk our members' futures.
When we call a strike we ask that members do not come into work and do not reschedule their classes. The best possible thing you can do is contact your local rep or branch administrator (lbanton@ucu.org.uk) and put your name down for joining the picket line
. It isn't illegal and it isn't dangerous.I’m a Head of Department, do I have to tell my employer that I am taking strike action? No. You are under no obligation to inform management in advance as to whether you will be taking part in strike action of action short of a strike. However, if your manager asks you after the strike whether you took action, you should answer truthfully.
Observing the strike is defending the interests of staff and students alike. Undermining the strike might feel like the right thing in the short term but will only serve to encourage management and we will all suffer more in the longer term. Formally, it is management's responsibility to explain to students if classes are to be cancelled on strike days. However, you may wish to talk to your students before the strikes explaining why the union is taking this action or share the UCU video which has been developed for this purpose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njFZCArmDLw
How will it affect my pension? ? In previous one-day strikes it has been the experience of UCU that most employers do not withhold superannuation contributions and therefore participation in strike action has not generally affected pensions. Also, institutions that do choose to withhold contributions often make provision for members to make up pension and AVC deficits from their pay. Further, in relation to USS, the current advice from USS to USS institutions is that employer deductions will be made unless the employer advises to the contrary prior to any period of absence. Members are reminded that they are under no obligation to inform management in advance as to whether you will be taking part in strike action or action short of a strike. For further info, see: https://www.ucu.org.uk/strikesandpensions
How late can someone join the union and still take part in strike action? People can join the union at any point up to and including on the picket line on the day of action and lawfully join the strike. You can Join UCU online at https://www.ucu.org.uk/join or the number to call is: 0333 207 0719
Is there a Strike Fund? Yes. There is a National Strike Fund (pdf) and a Local Strike Fund
How to donate to the Local Strike Fund - Last time we went on strike we organised a fund for colleagues who would be particularly hard hit by the loss of income, i.e. those on hourly pay rates or on the lowest union subscription rates. Colleagues, particularly those on higher incomes, donated very generously to the Fund and we were able to respond to people’s needs.If you would like to donate to the Local Strike Fund:
Account Name: UCU Lancaster LA28
Bank: Unity Trust Bank
Account number: 20057842
Sort Code: 60 – 83 – 01
Or by cheque, made payable to: Lancaster UCU.
Address for cheques: c/o Louise Banton (UCU Branch Administrator), UCU Office (A19), Welcome Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW
How to claim from the Local Strike Fund - Please do not let financial hardship stop you from exercising your right to strike. We are here to support you. If you would like to make a confidential enquiry about the fund, please contact the treasurer (i.paylor1@lancaster.ac.uk) or the branch administrator (lbanton@ucu.org.uk). Please note, Full membership of UCU is required in order to claim (although there is no requirement to have been a full member for a certain time), plus evidence of salary loss and strike participation.