UNITED KINGDOM

University staff vote ‘overwhelmingly’ for strike action

The entire United Kingdom higher education sector could be brought to “a complete standstill” before Christmas after university staff voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in two national ballots over pay, working conditions and pensions, writes Sally Weale for The Guardian.

More than 70,000 staff at 150 universities could now strike, after turnout among members of the University and College Union (UCU) exceeded the 50% voting threshold in both ballots and more than eight in 10 of those who voted said yes to strike action.

The UCU said it was a “stunning” victory and called on vice-chancellors to urgently get round the negotiating table and improve their offers if they want to avoid widespread disruption on campuses across the country, either this year or early next year.
Full report on The Guardian site