University of Bristol students end occupation of Wills Memorial Building
They barricaded themselves inside 10 days ago in support of staff facing a cut to their pensions
Last updated 10th Mar 2022
University of Bristol students who were occupying the Wills Memorial Building in support of staff facing a cut to their pensions have released it back to Management.
They ended their occupation at midday today (Thursday 10 March) after taking over the Great Hall on 28 February.
It is after concessions were made by University Management, in collaboration with the UCU (University and College Union).
These include:
- There will be no repercussions for occupiers of the building - specifically, "No disciplinary action for unauthorised occupation of the university premises, as long as it is peaceful."
- Management clarified the terms under which ASOS (Action Short of a Strike) pay cuts would be triggered. The occupiers say this did not meet their initial demand, but they were happy to concede this point as UCU felt the removal of vagueness effectively gutted the threat the potential pay cut posed.
- Management will spread strike day pay losses over a maximum of five days per month for present and future UCU industrial action for the current academic year.
In a statement released online, the occupiers said: "These concessions are good, especially as they allow strike action to continue without hitting staff's livelihoods as badly as the University intended it to.
"They also go to show how much more could be done, and how easily the University can address these issues yet chooses not to.
"It is clear that direct action by students can be used to support the worker struggle at the University, determine management decisions and make this University a place that works in favour of staff and students, not a select few profiteers."
They say despite the decision to end occupation, they will continue to monitor the situation and will 'act swiftly' in the future to 'protect the interests of the union workers'.
Read more: University of Bristol students barricade themselves in Wills Memorial Building
National strikes have ongoing for several months, with staff in Bristol taking part in three days of action back in December.
The UCU had asked for the decision to cut pensions by 35 percent to be revoked, and for a £2,500 pay increase for members.