University strike action becomes a possibility again as UCU members vote to move towards national ballot

The University and College Union (UCU) has voted to consider new options to resolve their long-running dispute with the government over cuts to higher education funding, which could include national industrial action.

At the Union’s conference in Liverpool in late May, delegates decided to take action and vote for “the first step towards a potential strike ballot”.

The unrest comes in response to a series of government cuts to higher education funding worth up to £100 million, as well as a proposed levy on international students that would put even more pressure on university budgets.

The UCU has claimed that up to 10,000 jobs within the university sector could be lost this year alone as a result of these cuts.

If you refuse to listen to the educators responsible for the world leading reputation of Britain’s universities, then you must be prepared to face a potential strike ballot

Jo Grady, UCU General Secretary

Following the vote, in which union members opted to “prepare for an industrial dispute”, UCU General Secretary Jo Grady issued a strong challenge to the government: “If you refuse to listen to the educators responsible for the world leading reputation of Britain’s universities, then you must be prepared to face a potential strike ballot.”

Some 16 university union branches – including Edinburgh and Bournemouth – have already successfully balloted for strike action. However, many activists argue this grassroots approach is ineffective, believing instead that collective nationwide action is the only way to force the government to make changes.

A national ballot of UCU members was originally scheduled to take place in the spring, itself already delayed from December after key union figures voiced concerns over the feasibility of support for a national strike. This ballot did not take place though, despite the ongoing threat of redundancies at the likes of Cardiff and Sheffield.

University union members […] will now vote in a consultative ballot to express their support – or opposition – for any plans for strike action

Rather than targeting their action against the employer body, the Universities and Colleges Employers Association, as would usually be done, the UCU believe that the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, is herself the legitimate subject of the trade dispute.

This is due to the fact that, in her cabinet role, she determines the funding model and allocation for higher education services in England.

Despite the government offering £160 million to colleges alone, the Union has maintained that the “underlying financial issues” that are “plaguing” the sector are not being addressed.

University union members, alongside their further education counterparts, will now vote in a consultative ballot to express their support – or opposition – for any plans for strike action.