Industrial Action

Find out what is happening, what it means for you and what we're doing to support you.

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Last Updated: 22/10/2026

About

What is Industrial Action?

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In some instances, when a trade union (an organised group of workers) starts a dispute with their employer, they ballot their members to resolve their dispute by entering a period of industrial action.

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The University and College Union (UCU) is a trade union that represents many academic staff at universities across the country. The Exeter UCU branch, which represents primarily academic staff at the University, recently voted in support of taking:

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Strike action: staff stop working for a period to put pressure on their employer during a dispute. In universities, this often means lecturers and other academic staff may not teach, hold office hours, or respond to emails on strike days. They may also picket (a peaceful protest) outside their workplace.

Action short of a strike: staff continue working but limit what they do – for example only working contracted hours, not covering for colleagues, or not undertaking voluntary tasks.
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Quick Links

UCU’s Website

University’s Industrial Action Page

1. The Exeter UCU branch will provide the University with 10 days' notice before any strike action begins.

2. We don't yet know what action they might take but will let you know as soon as we do.

3. Potential industrial action can feel worrying, especially when you're trying to plan your studies – we're here to support you every step of the way.

4. We're here to be your voice and call for protections to your student experience.

Why

Why Are Academics Taking Industrial Action?

Staff may vote for industrial action when they feel ongoing issues aren't being addressed fairly or effectively. It's a way for staff to come together and push for change when other efforts, like formal negotiations, haven't led to progress.

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At Exeter, the local UCU branch recently asked its members whether they would be willing to take industrial action in response to the University's formal consultation on potential staffing changes in some academic faculties.

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The ballot closed earlier this term, with a majority of those who voted supporting both strike action and action short of a strike.

Updates

9 September

The UCU ballot closed, with a majority of members who voted supporting both strike action and action short of a strike.

10 September

UCU members met to discuss what potential industrial action could look like.

October

UCU and the University have continued discussions to try to resolve the dispute, but no final agreement has been reached.

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Timeline

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Support

How We're Supporting and Representing You

We know students will have different views about potential industrial action. You might want to stand in solidarity with staff, be worried about the impact on your studies, or feel somewhere in between. Whatever your perspective, we're here to make sure your voice is heard and your student experience is protected every step of the way.

Keeping you informed

We'll share clear, factual updates about what's happening and what it could mean for your studies.

Making your voice heard

Your Officers and reps will listen to your views and raise your concerns with the University.

Protecting your experience

If industrial action goes ahead, we'll push the University to minimise disruption to your education, explain what protections are in place and make sure you know where to get support.

Sharing your views

‍We want to hear how you're feeling about potential industrial action. Whether you've got a question, a concern or something you want us to raise, your student representatives are here to listen.

We’re here to support you

If you're feeling worried or unsure, you don't have to work things out alone. You can reach out to the University's Wellbeing Services or speak to our Advice team for free, confidential support.

Definitions

Jargon Buster

Say what...? If you’ve heard some terms and aren’t sure what they mean, use our handy guide below.

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Action short of a strike (ASOS)

Where workers take action such as refusing to cover for absent staff, not rescheduling lectures impacted by strike action, not providing additional materials, refusing to work overtime, etc.‍ ASOS may also include withdrawal of goodwill and only completing duties required strictly by contract.

Industrial Action

Industrial Action takes place when negotiations between employers and members of a trade union, such as UCU, fail to resolve a dispute or reach an agreed solution. Industrial Action can take the form of strike action or action or short of a strike.‍

Picket Line

A picket line refers to a form of protest taking the shape of a physical boundary created by those involved in industrial action and are typically located at the entrances of workplaces. They can take on many different forms, with some participating in a picket line by holding signs, bringing music, performing, or informing passers-by of the reasons for the picket line. You are free to make your own decisions about whether to cross picket lines, and we encourage everyone to remain respectful.

Strike Action

When staff stop working for a period to put pressure on their employer during a dispute. In universities, this often means lecturers and other academic staff may not teach, hold office hours, or respond to emails on strike days. Staff do not get paid when they are on strike.

Trade Union

A trade union is an organisation of workers who join together to improve their employment conditions, such as wages, benefits, and safety. They act as a collective voice for employees by negotiating with employers through a process called collective bargaining and providing support and services to their members. Trade unions help protect workers' rights and increase their bargaining power.

UCU

University and College Union is a trade union representing staff across UK higher and further education institutions. Find out more about UCU and the local Exeter branch at the University on their website.

1. What is industrial action?
Industrial Action takes place when negotiations between employers and members of a trade union, such as UCU, fail to resolve a dispute or reach an agreed solution. –This can take a couple of forms:
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Strike action: staff stop working for a period to put pressure on their employer during a dispute. In universities, this often means lecturers and other academic staff may not teach, hold office hours, or respond to emails on strike days. They may also picket (a peaceful protest) outside their workplace.
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Action short of a strike: staff continue working but limit what they do – for example only working contracted hours, not covering for colleagues, or not undertaking voluntary tasks.
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The Exeter UCU branch will provide the University with 10 days' notice before any strike action begins.
2. Why do staff vote for industrial action?
Staff may vote for industrial action when they feel that ongoing issues around their working conditions, pay or treatment are not being addressed fairly or effectively. It’s a way of raising their voices together to call for change when other efforts, like formal negotiations, haven’t led to progress.
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At its core, industrial action is about staff standing up for what they believe is right on issues impacting them. Often, these issues are deeply connected to the experience of students too, particularly when they affect teaching quality, staff wellbeing or the overall learning environment.
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The Exeter UCU branch recently conducted a ballot asking their members whether they would be willing to take local strike action in response to a formal consultation on potential staffing changes in some areas of the University's academic faculties.
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The ballot closed earlier this term, and the result shows that a majority of members who voted supported taking strike action and action short of a strike.
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We don't yet know what the impact of this will be for students and we know updates about potential industrial action can feel worrying, especially when you're trying to plan your studies, placements or day-to-day routine – we're here to support you every step of the way.
3. When will strike action take place?
The Exeter UCU branch has notified the University that it plans to begin action short of a stroke from Wednesday 28 October.
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We know updates about potential industrial action can feel worrying, especially when you're trying to plan your studies, placements or day-to-day routine – we will keep you informed of any action being taken that affects you.
4. How can I get involved?
You can talk to your tutors, lecturers, and supervisors to find out more about why they are considering strike action. If strike action takes place, you can get involved in rallies, picket lines and writing letters to the University in solidarity with staff.
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You can also talk to your student reps who can raise your views and concerns to the University.
5. How will I be impacted by potential strike action?
It is difficult to know how strike action will impact individual students, as it will depend on the timing of the action, and it may differ from subject to subject and depending on your level of study.
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It is reasonable to expect some subjects to be impacted more than others by any potential strike action. In the event of strike action, the University should communicate any potential disruption through your subject or department.
6. What is the Guild’s stance on potential strike action?
We represent more than 31,000 students – each of you has your own experiences and points of view. Our role is to make sure every student has the opportunity to speak and to be heard.
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We aim to empower all students through providing clear, informative and factual information on the situation, as well as amplifying your voices, promoting your rights, and advocating to protect your student experience.
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We'll proactively support both students standing in solidarity with staff and students who are primarily concerned about the impact of potential strike action on their studies.
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If you want to get in touch with your student representatives about the potential industrial action you can find further information here.
7. What is the Guild doing to support me?
We’ll keep you updated regularly on this page, via email and through social media of any potential strike action.
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Our job is to make sure your voice is heard loudly and clearly, and that you’re supported through any industrial action. If action occurs, your Officers and reps are ready to meet with the University to ensure clear protections for your education, make sure your learning isn’t compromised, and ensure you have the support you need.
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You are never alone, and we are always here to help. University Wellbeing Services and our Advice team both offer free, confidential support. We’re here to help you feel informed, supported and heard every step of the way.