The beginning of the new academic year, despite being accompanied by passion and excitement as in previous years, has been accompanied by university strikes. Organized by the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU), the strike aims to draw attention to long-standing issues surrounding pay and working conditions in the higher education sector. These strikes may cause a lot of problems for universities and students, but they represent the civil efforts of university staff to change and improve the context of British higher education. More than 60 employers have announced that they will deduct between 50 and 100 percent from the wages of employees who participate in the grading and evaluation boycott. It began on September 25th and will continue until September 29th, and follows months of negotiations, boycotts and a growing rift between university staff and management. These strikes are an indication of the hard struggle of university staff for more justice in British higher education, and more actions are expected for the future of this field.
The University Strike in the United Kingdom
The decision to strike during freshers’ week, a pivotal time in the academic calendar, has drawn both criticism and support. For many universities, welcoming new students is a critical part of their mission, and the disruption caused by the strikes was unwelcome. However, students themselves have shown solidarity with their teachers, understanding the importance of the issues at stake.
Starting in February 2018, the University and College Union (UCU), representing over 130,000 employees in higher education institutions across the UK, initiated a series of industrial actions related to two main concerns: pensions and pay, as well as working conditions.
In April 2023, the UCU extended its mandate for industrial action and conducted a consultation among its members regarding proposals from employers concerning pensions, pay, and working conditions. The results of this consultation were unveiled on April 17, 2023. Members voted in favor of pension proposals agreed upon with employers, which included a commitment to prioritize the restoration of pension benefits. However, they rejected proposals regarding pay and working conditions, including a 5-8 percent bonus.
In response to this, the University and College Employers’ Association (UCEA) asserted that universities had the legal right to withhold full pay for part-time work. Over 60 employers indicated that they were deducting between 50 and 100 percent of wages from employees participating in the grading and evaluation boycott.
Announcement of Strike Action
On September 6, 2023, the UCU announced the conclusion of its five-month grading and assessment boycott. Simultaneously, it declared a five-day strike, scheduled from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29, 2023, to protest against pay and working conditions.
On September 11, 2023, UCU announced its intention to conduct a second ballot at 143 universities between September 19 and November 3. This move aims to facilitate further action both in the current year and into 2024, addressing the ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.
Reasons Behind the Strikes
At its core, this strike is about supporting the professors and employees who drive the engine of higher education. The UCU insists that the revised pay agreement offered by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) is inadequate and represents a real-terms pay cut. The fact that 56% of UCU members rejected this offer highlights the dissatisfaction among university staff.
The University and College Union (UCU) has put forth several demands as part of the strike action. These demands include:
- An end to zero-hours contracts and temporary contracts.
- A salary increase equivalent to the Retail Price Index (RPI) measure of inflation plus two percent.
Despite the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) offering a significant pay increase for 2023-24, valued at five to eight percent, the UCU rejected it, arguing that it amounted to a real-terms pay cut. The UCEA recommended universities retroactively apply the salary increase in February, despite the rejection. The UCU is optimistic about resolving a separate pensions dispute that has led to reduced pension payments.
Penetrating Discontent to the Academic Elite
One of the striking features of this strike is the extent to which discontent has penetrated the ranks of academic elites and professors. Whispers of a general strike that encompasses all classes within the university community are growing louder. This is not just a grassroots movement; it’s a collective expression of frustration that transcends academic hierarchies.
A Global Perspective on Salaries
A crucial aspect of the strike is the comparison of salaries for professors and scientific elites in British universities with their counterparts in other countries. These comparisons reveal disparities that need to be addressed. Ensuring competitive compensation is essential for retaining top talent and fostering a culture of excellence in academia.
Despite the substantial revenue generated by universities, which now hold substantial cash deposits, staff members believe they are not receiving their fair share. The proposed 5% bonus is perceived as a real pay cut, falling short of what school teachers receive.
Government’s Role in a War and Budget Deficit
The British government’s involvement in the Ukraine war and its management of the national budget deficit have come under scrutiny. Questions are being raised about priorities, with a focus on whether essential matters like research and development and support for the scientific community are being sidelined. The strike serves as a reminder that investment in education and research is an investment in the nation’s future
Government Policies and Crisis Management
The strike also shines a light on the government’s policies and crisis management strategies. It raises questions about whether the government is effectively addressing the concerns and demands of various segments of society, including university professors and employees. The discontent extends beyond academia and touches on broader issues of governance.
The Impact of Strikes on Universities and Students
The strike action is not without its consequences. Students may experience disruptions to their studies, and universities must implement measures to minimize these disruptions. Tuition fee refunds for students affected by industrial action are a point of contention. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and industrial actions that have occurred in the past. The UCU strike action has stirred substantial debate, with over 100,000 students seeking compensation from UK universities for disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and industrial action. Legal proceedings in this regard have already commenced, exemplified by the High Court ruling in favor of students seeking compensation from University College London.
This strike encompasses various dimensions and is expected to impact various facets of British society. The consequences for Britain are as follows:
Impact on Britain’s Soft Power in the Scientific Arena: The strike may undermine Britain’s influence in the scientific field and further damage its research and technology infrastructure, especially after its departure from the common scientific community of EU member states.
Disruption of Higher Education: The strike is likely to disrupt the higher education process in Britain and potentially harm its reputation.
Adverse Effects on Students: Domestic and international students are expected to be seriously affected by the strike. The strikes have had a significant impact on students, especially those starting their university journey during Freshers’ Week. Many students have expressed frustration over disrupted classes and uncertainty about the academic year ahead. Some key consequences for students include:
- Disrupted Learning: The strikes have disrupted classes and lectures, affecting students’ ability to engage with course materials during a crucial time.
- Graduation Uncertainty: The earlier marking boycott has left some students without final grades, leading to uncertainty about graduation and degree results.
- Mixed Messages: Students have reported confusion due to mixed messages about the status of the strikes, leading to frustration and uncertainty.
Impact on Technological Industries: The disruption in research and development activities and cooperation with universities could negatively impact technological industries.
The Erosion of British Scientific Excellence: The strike underscores a deep-seated concern about the erosion of British scientific excellence and the lag in technological advancements. Long-term problems within universities have contributed to a decline in the country’s global standing in research and innovation. The consequences of neglecting these issues extend far beyond the university walls and can have a profound impact on the nation’s competitiveness and prosperity.
Student Support and Impact
UCU General Secretary Joe Grady expressed his disappointment, stating, “It is disgraceful that, despite a year of unprecedented disruption, university vice-chancellors continue to refuse to settle the dispute and instead enforce a salary award which staff categorically rejected.”
Despite the disruption to their crucial first week of the term, many students chose not to cross the picket line, demonstrating their support for the staff’s industrial action. Law student Rory Shears stated, “I may resent the strikes, but I don’t hold the lecturers responsible; I place blame on the management.” Students recognize the broader issue of low pay in the UK, where even professionals face similar struggles.
International Relations student Abdul Rahman commented that the issues driving his lecturers to strike reflect a broader problem of low pay in the UK. Rahman, who supports his family on a minimum wage, lamented the fact that even professionals face similar struggles. He remarked, “It’s disheartening. Rishi Sunak is allocating resources to various campaigns, but it’s evident that addressing low pay isn’t a priority.”
Conclusion
The strikes in UK universities highlight the ongoing challenges faced by university staff regarding fair pay, job security, and contractual conditions. The decision to strike is rooted in a protracted disagreement over compensation and working conditions. The strike action, scheduled for September 25 to September 29, 2023, will impact a significant number of universities in the UK. Some students expressed frustration at the disruption but placed the blame squarely on university management for not addressing the UCU’s concerns. The strikes underscored the broader issue of low pay in the UK, resonating with students who also grapple with financial challenges. The support for university strikes in the UK is a manifestation of deep-seated issues that have plagued higher education for years. It is a plea for change, for fairness, and for the recognition of the critical role that universities play in society. As the strike unfolds, it remains to be seen how universities, the government, and society at large will respond to the demands for a brighter future for academia in the United Kingdom. As the strike continues to disrupt the beginning of the academic year, the UCU remains determined to address the ongoing pay dispute in the UK’s higher education sector. The rift between university staff and management, marked by a breakdown in negotiations, has led to these industrial actions, affecting both staff and students alike. The hope now rests on the willingness of vice-chancellors and university leadership to engage in meaningful dialogue and reach a fair settlement that addresses the financial challenges faced by university staff. Until then, the UK’s universities will remain caught in a cycle of industrial disputes.
