Liverpool students occupy uni lecture theatre in support of strikes

Students are currently occupying Lecture Theatre 2 of the Sherrington Building in solidarity with the UCU (University and College Union) strikes currently taking place on campuses across the country.

Liverpool Student Staff Solidarity describe themselves in their Twitter bio as: “Students at Liverpool University working in support (but independently) of uni staff who are defending their workplace rights & fighting for the sector’s future.”

“We decided to target two highly attended lectures in support of the strikes,” the group told The Liverpool Tab. “It’s important students don’t cross the picket line and recognise why this is so important”.

They added: “We’re not doing this to stop people getting an education, we’re doing it because we care and we need to stand up against the increasing marketisation of higher education. We stand in solidarity with the UCU”.

The occupation comes as part of a nation-wide movement from the UCU in a dispute over pay, conditions and pensions. The industrial action will continue to take place across UK universities on 24-26 February, 2-5 and 9-13 March 2020.

Prior to the strikes, the University of Liverpool issued an email to students saying: “We are planning for every eventuality and are committed to ensuring you are not disadvantaged academically as a result of the strike”.

The University of Liverpool has been contacted for comment.