A message to staff about industrial action: 24 February – 20 March 2020

Monday marks the start of 14 days of strike action by members of the University and College Union (UCU) in support of two disputes around pay and proposed changes to USS Pensions. 

The decision to strike is always a difficult one and we understand and respect people’s right to choose to take part in industrial action. We also know that there may be many reasons that staff choose not to strike and cross a picket line staffed by their colleagues, and this is an equally difficult decision to make. 

It is important that we remain respectful of every member of our community and show kindness to one another during this time.

Please read our FAQs for staff, which we’ve created to support not only colleagues taking part in the strike, but also staff who are working through it. 

We know all our staff are committed to ensuring the best possible experience for our students, and we are supporting our students as much as possible throughout this period of industrial action. You can see what information we are sharing with students in this student news item and the FAQs on the UCL Students website. 

UCL is unable to settle the disputes over pay and pensions independently, but we are continuing to work at a national level towards a resolution with UCU, alongside other higher education institutions. You can find out more about the background to the disputes and the national negotiations on the UCL website. 

Thank you.

Ms Fiona Ryland
Chief Operating Officer

Professor Anthony Smith
Vice Provost (Education and Student Affairs)