UCU Edinburgh on strike 25-29 September
Following the announcement from UCU’s Higher Education Committee (HEC) on 14 August that five days of national strike action would take place 25-29 September, it was then agreed by HEC on 15 September that branches could seek an exemption from the action. Branches were asked to consult with members on whether they wish to seek an exemption from the action by branch meeting or e-consultation, and notify UCU by 20 September.
On 18 September, UCU Edinburgh co-presidents Sophia Woodman and Cat Wayland wrote to members of University of Edinburgh’s senior management team with a proposal: in return for recommending that members vote to call off the strike action, and complete all outstanding award-bearing marking by School deadlines, the University would arrange for repayment of salary deductions for those who have been on the MAB.
The University rejected this proposal, citing prior breach of contract, the impact of the MAB on students, and the terms of the joint statement issued by the University and UCU Edinburgh in August as sufficient reasons to continue to maintain the current deductions on members’ pay. Following a further meeting to discuss the unfolding situation on 18 September, the University offered no further concessions.
UCU Edinburgh then launched an e-consultation of all members on whether to continue with the strike action. The branch committee made no formal recommendation. 1,076 members voted in total, with 602 members (56%) voting for the continuation of the strike days, 399 (37%) voting against, and 75 (7%) abstaining.
It was heartening to see a higher-than-usual turnout in the e-consultation, with approximately one third of all UCU Edinburgh members voting. As a branch the strike days are an opportunity for us to come together and show our strength and resolve after our extraordinary efforts over the summer with the MAB.
Details of picket locations and timings can be found below:
Monday: Old College and Kings Buildings Main Entrance (in front of Ashworth Labs)
Tuesday: Kings Buildings Main Entrance
Wednesday: George Square - Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre
Thursday: Moray House
Friday: Kings Buildings Main Entrance and Old College
All pickets run from 9am-12pm.
Friday picketing will end with a rally at Bristo Square at 12:30pm.