Dear Members
We are writing to you on the eve of the start of ten days of strike action with some practical information. We would also like to thank members for talking to their students about the reasons for taking action. Communications from Management show they are frightened of our collective power and know the disruption will have a significant impact at City. Mary Luckiram’s latest email referencing Unison’s Joint Action with us from 21st February, historic for both UCU and Unison to be on strike at the same at City.
Strike Basics:
When you take strike action you should not inform your managers prior to the action, only when requested on your return. Do not use the proforma now. We will provide members advice on our return. At this stage there is no need to declare you are on ASOS.
Members should not undertake any duties on the days they are on strike, this includes meeting students for any learning or support related matters (meeting to chat on the picket lines is fine and encouraged), reading or answering emails, as well as teaching and other duties. UCU HQ have provided longer guidance in their FAQs. As noted in previous emails we recommend you do not upload and remove and residual lecture videos from previous years.
Previous Guidance:
We have previously provided guidance to members on ASOS and other strike related matters.
Strike Timeline:
Every strike day there will be:
- An in-person picket on campus: 08:00 – 12:00.
- A zoom catch-up: 10.30-11
There will be a live or virtual event on most days (some days both). Most events will be at 11.00am.
A full schedule of events is on the blog. Take a look at the diverse offerings: baking, poetry, Marx, Neighbours, feminist media, developing a PGR Manifesto and more. This will be updated, with additional activities, especially in the week/c 21st February when Unison comes out on strike with us. If you spot a gap and would like to organise something, get in touch!
We encourage you to regularly participate in pickets, catch-ups and events. These play an important role in producing solidarity and reducing isolation. Perhaps coordinate with colleagues and attend together.
Picket-etiquette:
For those new to striking at City, real-life Picket Lines at City are friendly, provide a chance to meet colleagues across the university, and run as stated above every day.
We recommend members check the weather daily, wear layers and bring thermos flasks on cold days, and pack a raincoat. We have had snow on both previous strike actions.
There are toilets in the Finsbury Library that are open from 9am, Goswell Coffee open from 7am, and Dame Alice Owen open from 12pm that members can use. We should not cross pickets to use University facilities while on strike.
Covid Picket Guidance:
We are encouraging people to read the UCU HQ Health and Safety advice for Covid-19 and prior to joining the picket.
Communication – During Strike:
We will be communicating with members via our City UCU WhatsApp Strike Broadcast Group, and our blog, communications will be posted on both methods of communication as we know not everyone uses WhatsApp.
The Strike Broadcast group can only be posted to by Branch Officials (Keith, Rachel, and myself) which limits the volume of messages members will receive if that is a concern about joining the group.
We also have WhatsApp group to allow members to communicate with each other during the strikes, and if you would like to join that group please text me with your name and I will send you the link.
While we are encouraging members to not engage with their emails when on strike we understand some of you may read them, we will send any important communications about the disputes via email in addition to the methods above.
Hardship Fund:
Members can find out more information about our local Hardship Fund on the blog, it also details information about the National Fund.
Round Up:
Please email any questions you may have to info@cityucu.org.uk.
You will have seen that our sister trade union UNISON will be joining us on our strike action on the 21/02, 22/02, 28/02, 01/02, and 02/03. Further the NUS of students have called for a Student Strike for Education.
The pressure is mounting on City, UUK (USS Pensions) and UCEA (Four Fights) to commence meaningful negotiations. Unfortunately it seems that at the moment that they are unwilling to engage with us to see these disputes end, the best action any of us can do to change this is join the strike and the on campus pickets and virtual activities.
Let’s show that we will not be threatened, bullied and intimidated. We stand firm together to win these disputes, and to secure a better future for staff and students at City.
Kind Regards,
Martin