Breaking: Cardiff UCU calls off strike action for first week back

Cardiff UCU has cancelled plans for industrial action that was set to commence the first week back.

Members voted to postpone the local strikes due to take place from 25th to the 29th September, coinciding with the start of term.

Strikes were initiated by university staff across 140 UK universities following a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions.

UCU is calling on other universities to follow the lead of branches like Cardiff University along with the likes of Bristol, Bath and Glasgow and halt strike action.

This will allow the Cardiff branch to focus their attention on voting in the national ballot.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “We have seen many employers do the right thing and agree to stop punitive pay deductions and some have also agreed to return what has been taken. We are now urging other vice-chancellors to follow their lead and are calling off strike action at dozens of universities. This will also allow our members to concentrate on winning the reballot and getting the pay and conditions they deserve.

“Renewing our mandate and keeping the pressure on is the way we will win this dispute, but the strike action due to go ahead next week stands as a reminder to all employers that if you behave egregiously, you will face further disruption.”

This news provides a positive start to the academic year for Cardiff students after so much disruption with last year’s marking boycott and strikes.

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