A number of UK universities, including the University of Liverpool, have received notification from the University and College Union (UCU) that a period of strike action will take place over three weeks during February and March. The specific dates are:
- Monday, 14 February until Friday, 18 February (five days)
- Monday, 21 February and Tuesday, 22 February (two days)
- Monday, 28 February until Wednesday, 2 March (three days)
What is the dispute about?
This industrial action is in relation to national disputes over pay and pensions.
As this is a collective UK-wide action the University is reliant on national negotiations to try to resolve the disputes.
Discussions between UCU, Universities UK (UUK) and the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) on these issues are continuing and staff will be kept updated as these national negotiations for a resolution progress.
Whilst we recognise and respect the right of staff to participate in legitimate, mandated industrial action, we are also of course mindful that such action creates a risk of adverse impact on our students, and our priority is to minimise such disruption. We know that colleagues are dedicated to the education of our students, and would like to thank all colleagues for their commitment and professionalism at this time.
Further information about the current industrial disputes will shortly be available for staff on our intranet pages and you will receive detailed information about how to record participation in the industrial action in an email ahead of the strike dates.
Support
We recognise that the strike action may be a cause for concern and worry for all colleagues, whether they are choosing to participate in the action or not. As well as normal management support, we would wish to draw your attention to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which provides free and confidential access to a variety of support services, including counselling support. Further information is available on the EAP page and the contact telephone number is 0800 358 4858.