FOR

Myself as President of the Labour & Co-operative Society stand in solidarity with the UCU in their ongoing dispute with the UUK.

Firstly, it must be made clear the reasons for the strike. Academic staff are in a dispute with their employers over uncertainty surrounding their pensions which could see them losing around £10,000 a year.

Public sector workers already face lower wages and accept this due to the promise of guaranteed pension benefits. For employers to go against this is shocking and unfair.

I want to emphasise that the decision to strike is not one that is made lightly. In participating in industrial action, staff are faced with losing almost half a month’s pay and in doing so face a great financial burden, particularly those with families.

This shows just how dire the situation is. Strikes are always a last resort and it is regrettable that the negotiations in the run up to this action have not been successful and I urge my fellow students to direct their justifiable annoyance at the management and college council who have let this happen.

This is not a partisan debate but one that will affect all in the field of education, including students. I would encourage all students to support the motion and stand in solidarity with their colleagues.

We all deserve the best from our education and this can only be guaranteed if those who provide our education are treated with respect and fairness.

Vote for this motion for you, for your lecture and for future generations. Thank you ‘

Abby King