Calls for disruption caused by strike action to end
A total of 44 universities are walking out over a pension dispute, including Leeds and Bradford, with over a million students set to be impacted
There are calls to end disruption to learning caused by ongoing strike action at the University of Leeds and Bradford.
Staff are walking out over a pension dispute across 44 universities, with over a million students set to be impacted.
The Leeds University union said:
"The challenge we face as student leaders is that we don’t believe this current strike action is in the best interest of students, and our focus has to be what’s in the best interest of our members.
"In light of the past two years of COVID disruption, previous strike action and ongoing variations to teaching because of COVID concern, strikes right now will inevitably lead to added stress, lost learning and delayed teaching. Those most affected by the strikes will be our marginalised students, specifically our disabled, international and working class students.
"We know that students are exhausted, experiencing increased mental health problems and wanting as little disruption to this year of study as possible, rather than spend another year disrupted by strike action. This decision has been made without student input or consultation.
"We call on both sides to return to negotiations through their national bodies so we can all do what we do best, supporting students to have the best educational experience possible."
A University of Leeds spokesperson said:
Our priorities throughout this time are to protect the interests of students - including minimising any disruption to them, to retain the cohesion of our community and to protect the standard of Leeds degrees.
“In relation to pensions, we believe all parties involved in this dispute ultimately want to ensure a secure, stable and sustainable scheme that is valued by all. It is deeply regrettable that our community and some of the wider sector are subject to further strike action, and we hope those involved in the national negotiations can reach a resolution.
“We have already made a series of pledges to deal with issues around pay and conditions where we are able, and are committed to working with our staff to deliver on these.”
A University of Bradford spokesperson said:
“We support the rights of our staff to take industrial action, either through strike or action short of a strike. In line with our policies, the University reserves the right to withhold up to 100% of pay for each day of partial performance. This is not a new policy; it has been in place for over five years and is reviewed regularly.”