SOUTHAMPTON universities are bracing themselves for three days of strikes later this month.

University and College Union (UCU) members at the University of Southampton and Solent University are preparing to walk out in a long-running dispute over pay.

It is part of nationwide action which will see more than 70,000 lecturers and other staff strike for three days from November 24, 25 and 30.

It's expected to be the biggest ever strike to hit UK universities and could impact 2.5 million students.

This can be avoided, the union says, if employers make improved offers.

However, if the dispute is not resolved, the union warned that strike action will escalate to include a marking and assessment boycott.

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'Strike action on a scale never seen before'

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "Campuses across the UK are about to experience strike action on a scale never seen before.

"70,000 staff will walk out and make clear they refuse to accept falling pay, cuts to pensions and insecure employment.

"This is not a dispute about affordability – it is about choices."

Ms Grady added: "Vice-chancellors are choosing to pay themselves hundreds of thousands of pounds whilst forcing our members onto low-paid and insecure contracts that leave some using foodbank."

Response from universities

Asked about the upcoming strike action, a spokesperson for Solent University said: "Staff at Solent University who are UCU members will be supporting this action which is taking place across the sector."

They added: "Our priority, as always, is the education and care of our students and we are working with our colleagues to minimise the impact of any action, and to ensure our students are kept informed about the measures we are putting in place."

A spokesperson for the University of Southampton said: "Meeting our commitments to our students and providing every opportunity for them to achieve their potential is always our highest priority.

"We will work with colleagues throughout the University to put in place the arrangements necessary to minimise any disadvantage to students as a result of industrial action."

The statement added: “Matters relating to pay awards and USS pensions are discussed nationally and as such can only be resolved at a national level.” 

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