Further details on the UEA strikes have been released

With seemingly little information from the Univeristy, the UEA SU has published a detailed FAQ in regards to the upcoming strikes at UEA. You can find the schedule of the strike action here.

Here's a run down of some of the key information:

UEA SU's position

– The SU has decided to support the strike action to support any postgraduate students participating (many students are also UCU members that act as associate tutors).

– It will lobby to ensure that during periods of action, the University makes arrangements that ensure maximum communication with students that might be affected, and maintenance of delivery of services for students.

– Not all academic staff will be engaging in strike action, but those who are will also be unpaid during that time. The Union Council and Education Committee have consulted with their students and both support strike action.

– Urge the senior management team at the University to put pressure on Universities UK to negotiate with UCU.

The strikes begin in Do Something Different Week, for a total of 14 days.

If you would like to support the strike the SU recommends

– Talk to your tutors, lecturers and supervisors to understand why they are striking.

– Asking them whether they would like you to join them at the picket line or help in other ways.

– Writing to University Management to make a complaint, urging them to ask their national representative body to return to the negotiating table.

The effects on students

– Undergraduate students may have their teaching affected affect, such as lectures and seminar classes. Depending on the length of the strike this could also mean that there will be an impact on marking. At this stage, the SU cannot say which departments will be affected as it depends which staff decide to participate on the day(s). Teaching will not be rearranged.

– Postgraduate Research student's supervision may be affected by the strike. The SU advises you to contact your supervisor or the leader of your research group to get more information about the impact on your research.

Expect picketing to take place.

– Postgraduate Taught students should contact their department if they are worried about the impact the strike will have on their course of study. The University has said that some departmental teaching may be affected and this may include PGT students

– Deadlines may be moved, but the SU would advise working to all deadlines you have unless you hear otherwise from your School.

– The Su recommends that students attend their scheduled activities (lectures, tutorials and exams) as normal unless they have specifically been told otherwise.

What about tution fees? Can students make complaints?

– The SU states that if students feel the industrial action is negatively affecting their ability to study, complete coursework or exam performance they can get confidential advice from the SU Advice Centre- email [email protected].

– If students want to raise the issue formally and wish to seek redress (which can include financial redress) they can also make a complaint. However, in the T&Cs agreed to when becoming a student at UEA there is a disclaimer which protects UEA from liability for non performance or late performance of its services when events outside of its control take place.

What are you opinions on the strike? Let us know.

– In order to use this clause as a defence, the University has to demonstrate that: it has taken all reasonable steps to avoid the strike; and it has taken all reasonable steps to mitigate its effects on students.

– The SU is currently exploring whether the arrangements the University has for negotiating the strike are sufficient for them to demonstrate all reasonable steps. This will depend on what happens during the dispute/strike. If you would like to discuss these issues complaints further- email [email protected].

If you've got any further questions or want to give feedback to the Student's Association about the stirke contact: [email protected].