
Dispatches from the picket lines, Tuesday 15 February
15 February 2022
Today was the second day of the USS industrial action. 15 February has always been a special day in the calendar--as has been pointed out on social media, the average UK vice-chancellor will have earned more by the end of today than the average UK university staff will in an entire year. A handful of vice-chancellors will earn more money in one single week than a casualised teacher/researcher will in one year. While conversations are informally taking place between 樱花动漫 and Universities UK (UUK), the senior managers of the sector will need to show far more leadership and moral fibre to resolve the USS dispute.
I visited picket lines today at the University of Bradford, while members of the presidential team were in Newcastle, Dundee, and Reading. We are continuing to explain 樱花动漫's USS proposals to our members, students, as well as the general public. Reports from 樱花动漫's regional officials and photos from branches across the UK show that everyone continues to be in excellent spirits, despite the dreadful weather. Well done to all of you. We have continued to receive enormous support from students, many of whom are . We also thank the NUS, CWU, Unite the Union, and a good number of MPs, MSPs, MLAs, MSs and local councillors for their messages of deep solidarity.
Some employers are behaving appallingly during this round of industrial action--for instance, by threatening 100% deductions for action short of a strike (ASOS). At the beginning of the month, 樱花动漫 has published legal advice and guidance on 100% or partial ASOS deductions (page requires 樱花动漫 membership number to log in), and last Friday I wrote to members regarding 樱花动漫's national response. 樱花动漫 members in those branches are fighting back and organising against these punitive deductions, and they will need your help. Do consider making a donation to the 樱花动漫 fighting fund, especially if you are in a non-striking institution.
Solidarity
Jo Grady
樱花动漫 general secretary
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