Uni strikers ‘in it for the long haul’

23 February 2018

A union is prepared to go on strike ‘for the long haul’ over a row about lecturers’ pensions.

The Universities and College Union (UCU) started its 14 day strike on Thursday in a bid to stop staff losing up to £10,000 a year under new proposals.

Fifteen vice chancellors have urged Universities UK to reopen talks with academics.

But Andy Williams from the UCU said: “I’m optimistic the strike will end soon, but I’m prepared for the long haul.”

 

Mr Williams added: “UCU in Cardiff has 1200 members which is a quarter of Cardiff University staff. We’ve had a higher turn out for this strike than any other university strike in the last 10 years at Cardiff University.”

He apologised to students for the disruption.

Some students supported the action.

Rhys Griffiths, studying maths, said: “I’m kind of annoyed it’s affecting our studies, especially since we paid so much to come here.”

But Ruby O’Neill, studying English Literature, added “it sucks for us, but it sucks that the government and the vice chancellor don’t want to fix it”.

Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: “University lecturers are going on strike today not just for their pensions, but so students and future students can get the quality of education they deserve.”

Cardiff University has not formerly responded to the strikers, but in a statement said it is committed to minimising the disruption for students and will re-run classes when appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

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