Lecturer strikes could go on until June, disrupting Edinburgh dissertations and examinations

The University and College Union (UCU) has confirmed that their members have been authorised to work-to-contract from 26th February to June, meaning that if Universities UK do not return to the negotiating table, there may be further disruption to dissertations and examinations.

The UCU is currently undertaking strike action after Universities UK proposed a change to pension schemes for incomes under £55,000. According to the union, this would reduce retirement benefits by between 20 and 40 per cent depending on grade and length of service, with a typical lecturer standing to lose around £10,000 a year.

A spokesperson from UCU Edinburgh said: "We remain hopeful that Universities UK will come back to the table and prevent a protracted dispute.

"However, in addition to the strike action, the UCU ballot also authorised continuous work-to-contract from 26th February through to June. If the dispute continues, there may well be disruption to dissertations and examinations."

The upcoming strikes will encompass a total of fourteen days spread over a four week period. Edinburgh's strikes start a week later than other Universities to allow for the Festival of Creative Learning.

Staff are due to strike on the following dates:

Week 1: Monday 26th, Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 28th February (three days)

Week 2: Monday 5th, Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th, Friday 9th March (four days)

Week 3: Monday 12th-Friday 16th March (whole week)

Week 4: Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th March (two days).

For everything you need to know about the strikes, including how to support them and how the disruption may affect you, click here.