Confirmed: First day of Newcastle UCU strikes is in two weeks time

The UCU has confirmed the first date of the next wave of strikes affecting Newcastle students to be in two weeks time, on February 1st.

Over 70,000 UCU members at 150 universities will take part in the strikes, which will last for 18 days throughout February and March.

It was confirmed last week that lecturers at both Newcastle and Northumbria University would take part in strike action due to continuing disputes over pay, conditions and pensions, among other things.

The dates for the further 17 days of strikes are to be announced next week.

BREAKING: 70,000 UCU members to strike on 1 February

Notice for 17 more days of strike action, scheduled to take place during February and March, will be served next week

We are proud to be taking action on 1 February with our fellow unions#ucuRISINGhttps://t.co/AvDq6skuru

— UCU (@ucu) January 17, 2023

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Whilst the cost-of-living crisis rages, university vice-chancellors are dragging their feet and refusing to use the vast wealth in the sector to address over a decade of falling pay, rampant casualisation and massive pension cuts.

“On 1 February, 70,000 university staff will walk out alongside fellow trade unions and hundreds of thousands of other workers to demand their fair share.

“UCU remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement, but if university employers don’t get serious and fast, more strike action fill follow in February and March.”

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• Lecturers at Newcastle and Northumbria University will be striking for 18 days this term
• ‘Ask for a refund’: We spoke to lecturers on the picket lines at Newcastle University
• ‘I want my money back’: Newcastle students share their opinions on ongoing UCU strikes