UCU prolongs industrial action into December
The staff union will be on strike for two consecutive weeks.
The Imperial branch of University and College Union (UCU), a trade union, has confirmed an extension of strike action into December, from Monday 1st to Friday 5th and from Monday 8th to Friday 12th, covering two consecutive working weeks.
Imperial's three recognised trade unions, the UCU, Unite and Unison, which together form the Joint Trade Unions (JTU), have been on strike since early October, after having obtained a 6-month legal mandate for industrial action.
The most recent wave of strikes took place from Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th November, with numerous lectures reportedly disrupted as of the penultimate day.
The UCU confirmed ten new industrial action days in December, bringing the total of enacted or planned strike days to 20.
Unlike in previous strike waves, however, it has asked members to walk out only on days when they have scheduled undergraduate or Master’s teaching, and announced that there would be no picket lines during this period. Felix understands this change is intended to limit fatigue and financial loss for members (the College withholds a full day's pay for each day that employees take strike action).
Unite and Unison have not announced industrial action after November as of writing.
In an email to all Imperial College students, Professor Alan Spivey, the Interim Vice-Provost for Education and Student Experience, said "Protecting your learning and teaching throughout this period is our top priority, and your department will be in touch with you directly if we expect the strikes will have an impact on you".
An Imperial College London spokesperson said: “We remain committed to ensuring that staff are appropriately recognised and rewarded for the vital role they play. In uncertain times it is important that we plan for the long-term future of our institution for the benefit of our students and staff.”
