‘Support the strikes by even staying at home’ – what you need to know about UoA’s upcoming strikes

The University of Aberdeen themselves have not released anything about the upcoming university strikes to oppose changes to pensions.

The Tab Aberdeen asked Aberdeen University Students Association because we, like most students, didn't really know what was going on.

AUSA are currently working on some FAQs and an information sheet on what students can do to support the strike, this will hopefully be up on the AUSA website this week.

AUSA announced earlier this month that they fully support the UCU strikes saying: "These attacks on pensions will have a devastating impact on staff recruitment and retention, ultimately leading to a decline in the quality of students' education.

"Our lecturers are overworked and undervalued and it is crucial that we stand alongside them to prevent these cuts."

It will mostly be academics and postgraduate students who teach that will be striking. AUSA also mentioned that lecturers that are part of Unison/Unite may not be striking as many of their members are not on the USS pension scheme.

AUSA have said that there will be picket lines outside a number of entrances to the University.

They said that the simplest way to support the strike is to not cross the picket line – you could instead join the picket, bring staff hot drinks and snacks, or even just stay home for the day.

Many classes won't be running on strike days, but if you are unsure about whether your lecturer is striking not you can email and ask them. If you have any specific academic queries the AUSA advice team can help.

To recap, the dates that will be affecting Aberdeen are:

Week one – Thursday 22 and Friday 23 February (two days)

Week two – Monday 26, Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 February (three days)

Week three – Monday 5, Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 March (four days)

Week four – Monday 12, Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 March (five days)