Strikes at University of Suffolk called off with UCU set to focus action on 'worst employers'
Strike action will only go ahead at 42 universities next week - rather than the 140 originally planned
Last updated 22nd Sep 2023
Strike action planned for the University of Suffolk next week has been called off, with the University of College Union saying it will focus on the 'very worst employers'.
Strikes had been set to go ahead at over 140 universities across the UK, including UoS, in a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions.
Walkouts were planned for five consecutive days from Monday 25 September to Friday 29 September - coinciding with the first week of term.
The UCU branch in Ipswich will now not take action next week. Strikes are still going ahead at 42 universities across the country.
Members of the UCU were also involved in a marking boycott over the summer, with many lecturers having money deducted from their pay as a result.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "We have seen many employers do the right thing and agree to stop punitive pay deductions and some have also agreed to return what has been taken."
"We are now urging other vice-chancellors to follow their lead and are calling off strike action at dozens of universities.
"This will also allow our members to concentrate on winning the reballot and getting the pay and conditions they deserve.
"Renewing our mandate and keeping the pressure on is the way we will win this dispute, but the strike action due to go ahead next week stands as a reminder to all employers that if you behave egregiously, you will face further disruption."
The University of Suffolk says it wouldn't comment on this story.