Strike wave begins in Four Fights & USS disputes

Today, 20 February, marks the first day of the strike action called by UCU in the second phase of strikes over our two national disputes. There are strikes at Imperial College London, SOAS, University of the Arts London, City University of London, Queen Mary University of London, Goldsmiths College, Roehampton University, The Courtauld Institute and the Royal College of Art.

Union members at UCL are being called out on strike from Monday 24 February, initially from 24-26 February inclusive. See Appendix 1.

If you can visit picket lines and offer support that would be very welcome. In London the number of striking institutions has doubled since last year.

There are two linked events today:

• Protest at UCEA 12.30. Colleagues from striking branches will be protesting outside Woburn House, Tavistock Square, where UCEA and UUK are based. We encourage colleagues to join them between 12.30-13.30.
• Strike Meeting 13.30. We are hosting a meeting for strikers in the Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, room W3.01 (20 Bedford Way is an accessible venue). Again, colleagues are welcome to come and offer solidarity. This will also be a chance for reps to collect strike material for our picket lines next week.

Striking takes courage. Many members are taking extended strike action for the first time as part of our Four Fights and USS disputes.

Our colleagues deserve our support. Together we can win.

UCL UCU Executive Committee

Appendix 1

UCL diary dates for next week:

Monday 24 February
UCL Strike Day 1
8-12 pickets, 12.30 strike meeting - Tudor Room, Imperial Hotel

Tuesday 25 February
UCL Strike Day 2
8-12 pickets, 12.30 strike meeting - Tudor Room, Imperial Hotel
6pm: London Region UCU solidarity meeting, Imperial Hotel

Wednesday 26 February
UCL Strike Day 3
8-12 pickets, Demonstration from UCEA/UUK to The City/USS, assemble 12-1.30 Tavistock Sq

Thursday 27 February
1pm, UCL UCU General Meeting, Archaeology LT.