Strike wave begins in Four Fights & USS disputes
20 February 2020
Today, 20 February, marks the first day of the strike action called by UCU in the second phase of strikes over our two national disputes. There are strikes at Imperial College London, SOAS, University of the Arts London, City University of London, Queen Mary University of London, Goldsmiths College, Roehampton University, The Courtauld Institute and the Royal College of Art.
UnionÌýmembersÌýat Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê are being called out on strike from Monday 24 February, initially from 24-26 February inclusive. See Appendix 1.
If you can visit picket lines and offer support that would be very welcome. In London the number of striking institutions has doubled since last year.
There are two linked events today:
- Protest at UCEA 12.30. Colleagues from striking branches will be protesting outsideÌýWoburn House, Tavistock Square, where UCEA and UUK are based. We encourage colleagues to join them between 12.30-13.30.
- Strike Meeting 13.30. We are hosting a meeting for strikers in theÌýInstitute of Education, 20 Bedford Way,Ìýroom W3.01Ìý(20 Bedford Way is an accessible venue). Again, colleagues are welcome to come and offer solidarity.ÌýThis will also be a chance for reps to collect strike material for our picket lines next week.
Striking takes courage. ManyÌýmembersÌýare taking extended strike action for the first time as part of our Four Fights and USS disputes.
Our colleagues deserve our support. Together we can win.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê UCU Executive Committee
Ìý
Appendix 1
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê diary dates for next week:
Monday 24 February
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Strike Day 1
8-12 pickets, 12.30 strike meeting - Tudor Room, Imperial Hotel
Tuesday 25 February
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Strike Day 2
8-12 pickets, 12.30 strike meeting - Tudor Room, Imperial Hotel
6pm:ÌýLondon Region UCU solidarity meeting, Imperial Hotel
Wednesday 26 February
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Strike Day 3
8-12 pickets, Demonstration from UCEA/UUK to The City/USS, assemble 12-1.30 Tavistock Sq
Thursday 27 February
1pm, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê UCU General Meeting, Archaeology LT.