In November 2021, there was a staff communication on the action being taken by UCU in relation to the outcome of the 2021-22 national pay negotiations.
A number of UCU members subsequently took part in three days of strike action at the beginning of December with some also participating in what is known as Action Short Of Strike (ASOS) between 1 December and 3 May 2022.
UCU have now informed us they are asking members to participate in a further five days of strike action, as detailed below:
- Monday 21February
- Tuesday 22 February
- Monday 28 February
- Tuesday 1 March
- Wednesday 2 March
UNISON have also formally notified the University that they have conducted a ballot of their members and have achieved the minimum required return of votes, which consist of those who voted in favour of industrial action and those who voted against it; from this UNISON have advised that they achieved the required number of votes in favour of industrial action and are asking members to participate in strike action on the following days:
- Monday 28 February
- Tuesday 1 March
- Wednesday 2 March
As outlined in previous communications we believe that a fair and affordable pay award outcome was achieved in this year’s negotiations so the further strike action by UCU and additional strike action by UNISON is disappointing, particularly due to the potential impact to our students; however, the University fully respects the right of colleagues to take industrial action and accepts that such action is not taken lightly.
What to do if you are participating in strike action
If you plan to participate in strike action you need to make the University aware. While you are not legally obliged to do so before the action is taken, it would be preferable to let both the University and our students know in advance by recording on HR Connect or informing your line manager. However, if you do not inform us before the event, you are legally obliged to inform the University on your first day back at work and record this on HR Connect following each day of strike action. This is to ensure we have a record of all staff taking strike action and also so the relevant pay deductions can be made.
The following documents give more information relating to the processes around participating in strike action, including how to update your HR Connect record.
If you do you have any questions, please get in touch with Humanresources@napier.ac.uk