The 2019-20 dispute so far

Members of the University and College Union, UCU, have voted 3 to 1 in support of industrial action over pay, equality, casualisation and workloads. For more information about why we are striking please visit our blog.

UCU members at 60 universities including University of Brighton went on strike between 25th November and 4th December 2019. Members include academic and professional services staff. This video tells you about that strike action and its impact https://vimeo.com/378827716

Our members in all branches – Eastbourne, Moulsecoomb, Falmer and Grand Parade – showed incredible support for the strike action at the end of 2019. This action brought the university's negotiating group back to the table and led them to discuss things that they had previously refused to discuss, such as pay and equalities. Our action worked. But we're not there yet and we need to keep showing our strength as a union.

Losing 8 days’ pay isn’t easy for anyone. The funds raised so far will be distributed amongst members who are suffering particular financial hardship as a result of losing 8 days’ pay in their January pay packet.

Next steps

The next stage of this dispute will require us to build on the extraordinary action we took in late 2019. In early 2020, UCU members will yet again be going on strike in support of our Four Fights:

We are asking our supporters, fellow trade unionists and those of our own members who can, to chip in whatever they can afford to help us to support those in particular financial hardship.

Please spread the word amongst friends, family, colleagues and others who support higher education. And please donate what you can.