UNIONS COME TOGETHER IN SOLIDARITY

We, the student officers of Aberystwyth University Students’ Union, would like to express our solidarity with the University staff members who have made the decision to strike over this coming weekend. Members of four campus trade unions have been balloted and have decided to strike over a pension dispute.

We understand that this dispute will ultimately only be resolved between trade unions and the University. However, we fully recognize the dedicated work of all of our staff and believe the current pension system treats certain staff members as second class citizens. Trade union representatives have assured us that their action is directed at the University, not at students or the Students’ Union. The Students’ Union will operate as it would on any other moving in weekend.

Freshers’ Heroes, students who volunteer with the Students’ Union to help freshers move in, will continue to perform their roles as they would any other year. We, along with the Heroes, will not be performing any duties which would otherwise be performed by striking staff. This has been communicated to trade unions, and they are in support of this position. We call upon the University to return to dialogue and reach a compromise for the best interests of their staff and students.

We will be continuing to communicate with trade union representatives over the coming days and weeks, and we will be bringing the matter of support from the student body for their campaign to our Annual General Meeting.

The University ‘out of hours’ support will continue on its normal number during the weekend:  01970 622900.

If you would like to know more about this decision, please contact union.president@aber.ac.uk.

Jacob Dafydd Ellis, President

Grace Burton, Education Officer

Miriam Williams, Welsh Affairs and UMCA President

Harriet O’Shea, Activities Officer

Will Atkinson, Welfare Officer