UCLan strike: lecturers at Preston university among those going on strike today - here's why

By Andy Moffatt
Published 24th Nov 2022, 09:19 BST
Updated 24th Nov 2022, 09:20 BST
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University lecturers in Preston are walking out on strike on Thursday – joining academic colleagues across the country in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

Picket lines are being staged outside the city centre campus, with many lectures set to be cancelled because of the action. Around 70,000 members of the University and College Union (UCU) will strike on Thursday and Friday, and again on Wednesday November 30, in a dispute over pay, pensions and contracts. It will be the biggest strike of its kind, affecting an estimated 2.5 million students, with the union warning of escalated action in the new year if the row is not resolved.

Why are UCLan lecturers in Preston on strike?

The union says lecturers and other academic staff have suffered a decade of below-inflation pay rises, with a 3% increase announced in the summer. UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “University staff are taking the biggest strike action in the history of higher education. They have had enough of falling pay, pension cuts and gig economy working conditions – all whilst vice-chancellors enjoy lottery-win salaries and live it up in their grace and favour mansions. Staff are burnt out, but they are fighting back and they will bring the whole sector to a standstill."

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Lecturers at the University of Central Lancashire will strike in a row over pay and conditions. Industrial actions will take place on Thursday, November 24, 25 and 30Lecturers at the University of Central Lancashire will strike in a row over pay and conditions. Industrial actions will take place on Thursday, November 24, 25 and 30
Lecturers at the University of Central Lancashire will strike in a row over pay and conditions. Industrial actions will take place on Thursday, November 24, 25 and 30
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What do students think about the university lecturers strike?

Students are behind the action, according to the National Union of Students. Vice-president Chloe Field said: “Students stand in solidarity with university staff going on strike. We have always been clear that staff working conditions are students’ learning conditions, and for more than a decade both have come under attack from a sector that puts profits above education.”

Which other workers are going on strike?

Postal workers on the picket line at the Central Delivery Office and Mail Centre in Birmingham. Teachers and communication workers will also be going on strikePostal workers on the picket line at the Central Delivery Office and Mail Centre in Birmingham. Teachers and communication workers will also be going on strike
Postal workers on the picket line at the Central Delivery Office and Mail Centre in Birmingham. Teachers and communication workers will also be going on strike

Royal Mail workers and teachers in some parts of the country are also walking out on strike as industrial unrest continues to spread across the country in disputes over pay, jobs and conditions. Picket lines are being mounted outside postal delivery and sorting offices and schools as unions edge closer to co-ordinated industrial action. It will be one of the biggest walkouts of the year. Talks have been held between leaders of unions involved in the disputes with the aim of taking joint action, such as holding strikes on the same day.

Related topics:PrestonUCLan