Passed by: The Big Meeting
Passed on: 20/02/2023
Policy lapses: 20/02/2026
Status: Completed
Officer Responsible: Union President
Summary
The SU endorse and back the UCU within their current strike action
Details
I want the SU to adopt the stance of supporting the current UCU strike action. It is important that we show solidarity with our university staff who have been compelled to strike due to multiple issues including falling pay, worsening working conditions and cuts to their pensions as well as the long term future of the university sector. Their working environment is our learning environment. These are our lecturers, librarians, researchers, support staff who are all at heart of who we are as a university.?The SU as a key pillar of the University community must show that we value our educators and all staff within the university through declaring our support for their strike action. Many I have spoken to have mentioned their reluctance to take this action due to the impacts it will have on students but it is an option of last resort as their working conditions are no longer sustainable.?I want as quick of a resolution to this dispute as possible to minimise the disruption faced to students. This will only happen if we listen to and address striking university staff members concerns. The faster we endorse and mobilise students in aid of the university's staff cause the shorter this dispute hopefully will be. The SU are a charity who work in the interest of us the students. It is within our interest to ensure that our university staff have good working I want the SU to adopt the stance of supporting the current UCU strike action. It is important that we show solidarity with our university staff who have been compelled to strike due to multiple issues including falling pay, worsening working conditions and cuts to their pensions as well as the long term future of the university sector. Their working environment is our learning environment. These are our lecturers, librarians, researchers, support staff who are all at heart of who we are as a university.?The SU as a key pillar of the University community must show that we value our educators and all staff within the university through declaring our support for their strike action. Many I have spoken to have mentioned their reluctance to take this action due to the impacts it will have on students but it is an option of last resort as their working conditions are no longer sustainable.?I want as quick of a resolution to this dispute as possible to minimise the disruption faced to students. This will only happen if we listen to and address striking university staff members concerns. The faster we endorse and mobilise students in aid of the university's staff cause the shorter this dispute hopefully will be. The SU are a charity who work in the interest of us the students. It is within our interest to ensure that our university staff have good working conditions. It is also within our interest as many may go on to pursue careers in academia.?Finally, it is the right thing to do, our university staff work so hard to provide the best educational experience they can. It's time they got the respect they deserve and we show our appreciation for that.
Submitted by: Hector David Thomas Duncan
Updated Policy
Re-Statement of Support for striking staff
Following the less-than-ideal statement by the Students Union about the strikes, we believe it is necessary to reinforce our support for striking staff.
Officer Responsible: President
Submitted by: Dylan Lewis-Rowlands
Summary: Should the Senedd and Students Union reiterates its support and solidarity for all staff members taking industrial action - up to and including strike action - in this, and future, disputes?
Details:
The Senedd and Students Union reiterates its support and solidarity for all staff members taking industrial action - up to and including strike action - in this, and future, disputes.
The interests of students and the strikers are one and the same.
The administrative workload of lecturers, fewer staff members, and greater insecurity has led to hours meant for actual academia and education are instead spent on fulfilling the universities increasingly high administrative burden.
We ask the officers of the students union to again endorse the position democratically agreed at the AGM to support the strikes and striking staff members.
We reinforce and reiterate that their working conditions are our learning conditions.
Notes:
As well as a statement, the Students Union could;
- Issue guidance for students about their rights
- Encourage students to not cross a picket line
- Advocate on behalf of students to ensure that anyone supporting strike action is not penalised.
- Work with the UCU to ensure that student voice is represented in discussions, and on the picket lines.
Actions List
| Action Taken |
Name and Role |
Date |
| The SU has supported the strike action in various ways The President of the SU (2023-24) meets with Staff Union representatives every 2 months. |
Bayanda (Union president 2023-24) |
November 2023 |
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