The UCU strikes over IT redundancies has been resolved and further strikes cancelled.
Here at The Verse, Ines Dubourg reported of the UCU strikes due to IT redundancies last semester. She and many other students and staff highlighted the necessity of IT staff, particularly in COVID-19 times, whereby the majority, if not all teaching has been online. The proposed strikes this semester would effect teaching this week. The Verse can report that these strikes have been cancelled as the dispute has been resolved. This has been confirmed through the UCU website and an email from Professor Ruth Whittaker. The joint statement released from UCU website states:
“UCU and the University have met today regarding the dispute in connection with the reorganisation of IS. The dispute is resolved as the individual concerned is now leaving the university voluntarily. As a result the UCU has agreed to call off its industrial action. The University has given assurances that no repercussions will be felt by those who took part in industrial action and recognises that working hours lost through industrial action cannot be rescheduled. Both parties look forward to working together constructively on the significant future challenges facing the sector, the university and our students. ”
The University of Brighton UCU have thanked supporters at their online rally last Monday. They will now “turn our attention to the struggles against attacks on jobs taking place in other universities and colleges”.
Keep up to date with strike action and read the online statement at https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/ucu/
