The UCU (University and College Union) held a re-ballot last week to extend their mandate to strike over the pay and working conditions dispute. Yesterday, UCU announced that they did not meet the threshold required for the mandate to pass for further industrial action.
You may be aware that the UCU (University and College Union) held a re-ballot last week for their members to extend their mandate to strike over the pay and working conditions dispute. Yesterday, UCU announced that they did not meet the threshold required for the mandate to pass for further industrial action.
What was the re-ballot for?
Back in April 2023, UCU balloted their members to determine whether industrial action, including strikes, up to a period of six months should be taken. Members voted to take industrial action but the ballot recently expired leading to another vote.
The dispute over pay and working conditions is still unresolved so the UCU re-balloted their members to extend this mandate for another six months to continue to strike.
The results
The re-ballot closed on Friday 3 November, and UCU confirmed the results yesterday. They did not meet the required threshold and as such they cannot take part in further industrial action.
Only 43% of UCU members voted, 68% of those who did vote backed taking strike action and 75% backed taking other forms of industrial action. However, trade union laws require a turnout of more than 50% to make the ballot valid. View UCU’s full statement.
So, lecturers aren’t striking?
Currently, no. However, there could be further national or local ballots in the future. We’ll make sure to keep you updated on any further developments. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with Sharanya, your VP Education by email.