This branch notes:
- Our strategy focusing on taking out whole modules across the full semester is working. Management clearly feels the pressure.
- More pressure is still needed to shift management towards a solution of the dispute.
- UCU members, particularly APM members and academic members with no or fewer teaching responsibilities have asked directly and via their UCU Reps for named hard strike days with picket lines, alongside existing strategic striking.
- That picket lines provide spaces of practical and direct solidarity and community, of standing side by side with colleagues on strike together. Additionally, pickets make our dispute an unavoidable physical fact that is highly visible to non-striking staff, the student body, and the wider public.
- That several UCU branches across the UK, which are in dispute with their employer, have decided on 27 October as a day of action.
This branch believes: - Maximising industrial action that is both highly disruptive to the ordinary running of the University creates further leverage that will enhance our chances of a resolution to the dispute.
- Combined with the overall strategy of taking out whole modules, additional picket lines will increase the visibility of industrial action and, thus, increase pressure on management further.
- Taking action on 27 October allows us to raise awareness to our local problems while showing solidarity with other UCU branches in dispute at the same time.
This branch, therefore, resolves: - We will have a hard strike day with picket lines on Tuesday, 27 October when other UCU branches across the country are also involved in action.
- To call additional weekly hard strike days with picket lines later in the semester, if the dispute remains unresolved.
- To continue with strategic striking on all other days, ensuring that none of the following take place: lectures, tutorials, labs or project supervision.