Strike FAQs

Why have staff voted for strike action?

UCU have nationally voted in favour of industrial action in relation to disputes about pensions, as well as pay and working conditions. Further information on the reasons for this industrial action can be found in the following statement from UCU and on their website here.  

When will strike action take place?

Details of any potential industrial action has not yet been confirmed, but we will ensure to update students once we find out more. Industrial action may involve UCU members stopping working, forming picket lines on campus, or taking ‘action short of a strike’.

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.

You can also talk to your student reps who can raise your views and concerns to the University.  

How will I be impacted by potential strike action?

Staff and postgraduate students who are members of UCU may strike. We don’t yet know what industrial action may be taken, so it is difficult to assess any potential impact of strike action.

It is difficult to know how strike action will impact individual students, as it will depend on the timing of the strikes, and it may differ from subject to subject and depending on your level of study. 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 with you via your subject and college about any potential disruption.

What is the Guild’s stance on potential strike action?

Exeter Students’ Guild is shaped by you, our students. As with the previous strike action in 2019/20, we want students to have your say and help shape any stance we take. We’ll be hosting drop-in sessions over the coming weeks to provide you with a platform to raise your thoughts, concerns or questions regarding potential strike action. We’ll also be setting up some online polls to gauge student opinions on potential strike action.

What is the Guild doing to support me?

We’re currently working to provide students with the most up to date information from UCU and the University, so you know what is going on regarding any potential industrial action. To provide students with the opportunity to find out more information and ask any questions you may have, we’ll be hosting regular drop-in sessions and student forums. We’ll also keep you updated regularly on our website, via email and through social media.

Will I have to cross a picket line to get to campus?

On Streatham Campus picket lines will likely be stationed at the bottom of Forum Hill at the entrance to Stocker Road and the entrance to Streatham Drive. There are alternative routes on to campus (as agreed with UCU) through Birks Grange and Lafrowda if you would prefer not to cross the picket lines.