School’s Out: No Uni On October 31st

Lecturers across the country are poised to strike on Halloween after voting in favour of industrial action as part of a dispute over pay.

Demanding a pay rise, almost two-thirds of University and College Union (UCU) members have backed the walk out, with more unions following their lead.

UCU is the largest further education union in the country and is being joined by the Unison and Unite in the mass strike.

Striking fear into students’ hearts

The unions’ action is expected to cause major disturbances to universities across the UK.

The results of the poll, held last week, showed that 61.5% of UCU members supported the strike.

Three years after students protested, it’s the lecturers’ turn

Today the unions announced October 31st as the date for the protest.

Unite’s national officer for education, Mike McCartney, said: “Our members have had enough of the poverty pay increases of recent years. They have suffered a 13 per cent real terms pay cut since 2008 and have been left with no option but to fight for what’s fair.”

Many tutors have got in touch with students directly to warn them about cancelled lectures.

Leeds University Philosophy Professor Matthew Kieran said: “The unions are committed to minimising any adverse affect of this action on your education. There will, nevertheless, be some adverse effect, and this is unavoidable.”

“We hope that you understand the situation and realise that our dispute is with university employers.”

Have your lectures been cancelled? Let us know in the comments.