Here’s what went down on the picket lines at the BUCU strikes

Members of staff were on strike over pay and pensions this week


This morning marked the last of three days of lecturer strikes across the country, organised by the UCU – The University and College Union.

Despite the gloomy weather, multiple groups of students and staff congregated at the main gates across campus, forming picket lines.

For many students, strikes have added to the disruption by the pandemic, yet many have showed their solidarity with staff fighting for pension and pay protection.

History student Ella told The Birmingham Tab: “All four of my seminars for the week have been cancelled. As I’m only first year I feel like it hasn’t had a major impact but its definitely made this weeks content feel a lot less relevant.” While her studies have been affected she continued, “I do support the strike and the staff, it’s just sad that they had to do it.”

Another student said, “The strikes have not affected me at all. I’m annoyed they have to happen but they have my complete support.”

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Birmingham Labour Group members on the picket lines

Solidarity UoB told The Tab: “A significant proportion of the student body is concerned with staff working condition”. This is shown by recent results in The Guild referendum. They continued: “From this point onwards we would encourage students to stand with their staff members and make it clear that they will not be divided by university management.”

Not all students have had their teaching disrupted

The UCU are considering more strike action next year should their demands for equal pay and pensions not be met by Universities.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• The Guild of Students have voted in support of BUCU strikes

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• This is what West Midlands Police are doing to help combat drink spikingsÂ