From Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education and Student Experience
Today is the first day of two periods of national strike action by members of the University and College Union (UCU). The strikes are scheduled to take place over three weeks on the following dates:
- 14-18 and 21 and 22 February
- 28 February to 2 March
As these are national disputes, we have little influence over the outcome – however we continue to meet with our local UCU representatives on anything we can do to help resolve these ongoing issues. Teams across the University have also been working together to minimise the disruption this causes to you as far as possible, with more information available on our webpages, including how you can keep up to date with any planned disruption to your studies.
Background to the industrial action
UCU has called the action over national-level disagreements over pensions and staff pay and conditions. The action will affect a number of universities around the country. You can read more about the background on the student webpages.
What the strike might mean for you
It is probable that over the strike periods:
- lectures or other timetabled classes may be disrupted or cancelled at short notice;
- research activities could be cancelled at short notice;
- other University services you use might be affected
As with last strike action in December, UCU members are not obliged to tell us whether or not they will be working on the strike days so we will not know in advance what the level of disruption will be. However, we will share with you on Moodle any specific information we receive, and we recommend that you check your online course groups and your emails frequently to keep up to date about any changes that might affect you.
You can keep a personal record of the impact of the strikes on your teaching by using the Kent Union Academic Experience Reporting Tool.
Support for students
Wherever possible, we will work with staff to prioritise essential student support services so that these remain in place throughout the industrial action.
We have dedicated student support webpages where you can find details about the support available to you, and contact details of sources of help should you need it.
Last December’s strike did cause some disruption to our activities, but we were able to keep this to a minimum and I was pleased that the strike days passed in a harmonious and mutually respectful way; I hope for the same constructive approach during the coming days.
Thank you for your patience over the coming days and please do make use of the support available to you over the coming weeks. We will keep you updated with any developments during the strikes.
With all good wishes,
Richard
Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education and Student Experience