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In The News ...

UCU Strike Action - May & June 2023

Crowd protesting with placards

In addition to the current marking and assessment boycott which started on 20 April and 5 days of strike action between 25 May and 2 June 2023, the University and College Union (UCU) has announced that its members at Sheffield Hallam have been asked to take part in a further two days of strike action on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 7 June
  • Thursday 8 June

As a Students' Union, we stand in solidarity with the 70,000 striking university staff across the country. This industrial action results from an ongoing national dispute which also affects many other universities, so the focus of our work will be in partnership with NUS and other Students' Union leaders across the country to coordinate a collective response.

Why is industrial action taking place?

Members of UCU will take industrial action to lobby their employers by demanding better pay, working conditions, and pensions. The strike is a last resort after failed negotiations between the UCU and employers.

University facilities

The University, libraries, helpdesks and other student services will all remain open as normal. If you are on campus, you can use University learning facilities, such as libraries and study spaces, in the usual way.

Your timetable during strike action

The University will make every effort to contact you about any changes to or cancellations of scheduled in-person teaching or online learning, but they may not know about any changes until after the event. Please be aware that staff members are not obliged to tell the University in advance of their intention to participate in the strike.

We advise you to attend any scheduled sessions as normal unless you are informed otherwise.

If the member of staff scheduled to deliver your session does not arrive after 10 minutes of the planned start time, please assume they will not attend because of industrial action. If you are on campus, you can use other University learning facilities. You will be advised by your Department as soon as possible about arrangements to make up for teaching or learning lost as a result of strike action.

Marking of assignments will continue during this period, but there may be a delay in receiving back your marks if they are due to be returned to you during the period when strike action is taking place.

Staff are not paid for the days on which they take strike action, and 100% of the pay withheld from staff who take action is moved to a special financial support fund to provide extra support for students.

Submitting assessments

Marking of assignments will continue during this period, but there may be a delay in receiving back your marks if they are due to be returned to you during the period when strike action is taking place.

Strikes in other sectors

On-going strike action in other sectors, such as transport, schools, and healthcare, may affect the ability of staff and students to get to campus. You will receive additional advice from your Department about arrangements that will be put in place to deal with this potential additional disruption.

Additional support services

Hallam Help

You can find the answers to frequently asked questions online or you can contact Hallam Help directly via their live chat service, by phone, email, or by visiting then on campus at one of their help points.

Libraries

Adsetts and Collegiate libraries are open 24/7 and can be used for independent study if teaching is cancelled as a result of the strike.

Skills Centre Advisers and Learning and Teaching Support Librarians are available to provide advice on your written work, referencing, and other skills.

The full range of digital services and resources are also available, including Reading Lists Online, Subject Guides, and Library Search to support your course and assessment work.

View full information about the libraries

Student Support Adviser

Your Student Support Adviser can help and offer advice if you feel your ability to study is affected. You can talk to them about what other specialist services you can access across the University.

Student wellbeing

If you are feeling anxious or concerned about the strikes and their impact on you and your study, Student Wellbeing can help. They provide information and advice to support you and help you manage your studies.

Cost of living

We know that many of our students and their families are being affected by the current cost of living, so we've put together a range of support to help.

Cost of Living Hub

University cost of living support

Chaplaincy

The Multifaith Chaplaincy team provides spiritual and pastoral care, religious advice, and guidance, whatever your religious affiliation.

How does this affect my fees?

Your student fee covers a wide range of activities and services, including scheduled teaching sessions. The University are committed to ensuring alternative arrangements for any lost learning opportunities. They hope it will not be necessary to compensate students, but will continue to keep this under review.

Need further support?

If you have questions or concerns, please continue to use the usual channels to contact academic staff and other services. You can also contact the Student Advice Centre for free, confidential, and independent advice, or speak to your lecturer, academic adviser, or student support officer.

Read our policy on industrial action

Previous strike action

The UCU took part in strike action across the following dates:

  • Wednesday 1 February
  • Thursday 9 February to Friday 10 February
  • Tuesday 14 February to Thursday 16 February
  • Tuesday 21 February to Thursday 23 February (PAUSED)
  • Monday 27 February to Thursday 2 March (PAUSED)
  • Wednesday 15 March to Friday 17 March
  • Monday 20 March to Wednesday 22 March
  • From Thursday 20 April (Action short of a strike)
  • Thursday 25 May to Friday 26 May
  • Wednesday 31 May
  • Thursday 1 June to Friday 2 June

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