FAQS
When we take industrial action, what am I expected to do?
Do I have to tell my employer that I am taking industrial action?
If I have external commitments on the day(s) of industrial action; should I attend them?
I am not a UCU member. Can I take part in industrial action?
How late can someone join the union and still take part in strike action?
I am not a UCU member. Can I refuse to cross the picket line?
When should we notify students/management about the strike? The day before, or on the strike day?
Do tell your students before the strike action, so that they can prepare and support us by emailing the principal and coming to our picket lines, rallies, and teachouts – use the template email here. DO NOT tell management you plan to go on strike. You should not reply to emails asking about your intention to strike. Upon your return to work, if asked, you should reply honestly when questioned as to whether you were on strike. On strike days you should NOT be using university email or go inside university buildings at all – that would mean crossing a picket line. See below for details on the ‘digital picket line.’
What should we do about online lectures, especially pre-recorded lectures?
As part of the action short of strike, UCU is calling for "removing uploaded materials related to, and/or not sharing materials related to, lectures or classes that will be or have been cancelled as a result of strike action." Read the full UCU advice here.
Furthermore, the University of Edinburgh policy on lecture recording, section 1.4(ii) states "Recordings will not be used to cover University staff exercising their legal right to take industrial action without the lecturer’s consent." You can read the policy here.
Can I still log in to check my email and catch up on admin remotely?
No! Please respect the digital picket line. On strike days you should not being doing any paid university work, sending university emails, or sharing work linked to employment on social media. We’re withdrawing our labour – take a break!