UCU strikes begin
By Maddy Russell, News Editor
Vice-Chancellor Hugh Brady is believed to have joined University staff on the picket line along Woodland Road.
University teaching staff have begun the first of ten days of strikes over pensions, job security and pay following a ballot held earlier this month by the University and Colleges Union UCU.
In an email to students on Thursday, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Student Experience Professor Sarah Purdy attempted to reassure students that the University was doing all it could to mitigate the impact of the strikes on students.
So here we are with the Vice-chancellor of @BristolUni Hugh Brady on the picket line!
— Matthew Brown (@mateobrown) November 25, 2019
What a change from last time.
We look forward to your continuing support Hugh. pic.twitter.com/zXgzGCWUjV
This renewed strike actions comes following three weeks of strikes over pensions, in May 2018.
In a statement on its website, Bristol SU said: 'We believe that any action will be in the long-term interests of all students to ensure we retain the best quality teaching staff at the university. Therefore we stand in solidarity with our UCU colleagues to support the strike, and will be working closely with UCU colleagues during this time.
'In particular, our members who are PGR (postgraduate) students may be taking part in the strike, and we will support them for the benefit of their future academic careers.
'We understand that students may be anxious about the effect that strike action will have on your studies and wellbeing. We want to assure you that we will be working hard to ensure that the impact of the strikes will not have adverse effects on your educational experience.'
More updates to follow...
Featured image credit: Epigram / Ellie Brown
Are you a student or lecturer involved in the strikes? Let us know!