University of Southampton preparing for industrial action – February/March 2018
The University of Southampton has received formal notification from the University and College Union (UCU) that it has asked its national membership to support strike action in relation to the proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension. This proposed action at national level will affect universities across the UK.
UCU Southampton has confirmed its intention to support fourteen days of strike action plus action short of a strike. The planned dates for strike action are:
- 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 February
- 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 March
Action short of a strike may take place from Thursday 22 February to no later than Monday 18 June 2018. During this time, participating members are indicating they may work to contract, not cover for absent colleagues, not reschedule lectures or classes cancelled due to strike action, and not undertake any voluntary activities.
Some of these actions may cause some disruption to academically-related activities for students and staff of the University. The action also impacts other campus-based, voluntary activities such as the annual Science and Engineering Day, originally scheduled for 10 March 2018 but has now been cancelled.
If you are a visitor and planning to attend an activity at the University of Southampton during this period please check with your event organisers to ensure that they are proceeding as planned. This does not affect the programme of events at the Turner Sims or Nuffield Southampton Theatres.
The University is working hard to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by this proposed action and that there is minimal disruption to their studies and progression. Alongside representatives from the Students’ Union (SUSU), colleagues are putting in place effective contingency plans, so that students can continue with their studies as planned.
The University respects the right of trade union members to take industrial action, but hopes that support for our students and other University activities will be a major consideration when members are deciding whether or not to participate.