Exeter University staff to go on strike in November

The staff at the University of Exeter have announced three days of strikes which will take place at the end of November.

On 24th, 25th and 30th of November, Exeter staff will join hundreds of others with the University and College Union (UCU). This is following the UCU’s national ballots for industrial action last month; over 70,000 university staff at 140 unis took part in the vote. Exeter staff will join members of the UCU across every UK uni in a walk out regarding better pensions, pay, and working conditions.

This will be the biggest strike to ever hit the UK, affecting up to 2.5 million students.

The UCU will be commencing an Action Short of a Strike of 23rd November in which involves: staff not undertaking voluntary activities, not covering for absent colleagues, refusing to reschedule classes missed due to industrial action, and removing materials for classes that would have taken place on strike days from online learning platforms.

Jo Grady, the General Secretary for the UCU said: “Our message during these three days is very clear. Put a proper offer on the table or this is just the start of our fight back. This strike will be like no other we have called before. The ballot was different, the action will be different, the result will be different. The longer the picket line, the shorter the dispute.”

Exeter University emailed students regarding the UCU ballot on Monday 31st to assure them: “nothing has higher priority for us than supporting your learning and enabling you to achieve your goals at university. We are working with the Students’ Guild and Students’ Union to ensure that we identify the right measures to put in place to protect your experience and academic outcomes.”

Want to write stories like these? DM us on Instagram @thetab.exeter

Related stories recommended by this writer:

Exeter Uni launches £2 hot meals on campus to help students with the cost of living

Student climate activists are occupying an Exeter University lecture theatre

University of Exeter is investing £3 million to help students with the cost of living