Tutors to go on marking boycott

Next step in pay dispute means students might not get their grades on time


University of Leeds academic staff will be boycotting marking from April 28th, as part of nationwide industrial action against a fall in their pay.

This means  many students will be getting their marks a lot later than expected, which could be particularly damaging for those applying for jobs or masters degrees.

The University and College Union (UCU) will be taking action due to a 13% fall in pay in real terms since 2009.

With employers offering only a 1% rise this year, and the Vice Chancellor of the University refusing to meet with them, members of the UCU will be boycotting marking our work this April.

This comes after teaching staff went on strike earlier this academic year for the same reason, forcing students to miss lectures and seminars.

A UCU statement has called for students to stand with their tutors as they go on strike by signing a petition and emailing the Vice Chancellor, but it appears that a lot of students are unhappy with this.

Second-year history student Rhys Stevens told the Tab: “It’s very worrying. This is much more disruptive for us than missing a day of lectures.”

A meeting was held yesterday in the Parkinson building to address students’ concerns, at which union members made it clear that although they hoped it wouldn’t get that far, industrial action would affect marking on essays, dissertations, presentations and exams.

If it goes ahead fully, degrees will not be able to be issued.

Do you support the marking boycott? Let us know in the comments.