Information for colleagues on upcoming industrial action
19 Feb 2020
Information from HR for staff and guidance on dealing with student enquiries
The University remains surprised and very disappointed with the decision by the University and College Union (UCU) to take further industrial action, in view of the progress in the negotiations.
In advance of the industrial action, please find some information below for colleagues.
Dates of industrial action:
- Strike action 20-21 February 2020
- Strike action 24-26 February 2020
- Strike action 2-5 March 2020
- Strike action 9-13 March 2020
Ongoing action short of a strike continues until 29 April 2020.
Industrial action by UCU Members
This message includes information on deductions from pay, action short of a strike, Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) rules (including a request form to stop USS contributions), Death in Service Cover and Ill Health Protection, and picket lines.
The University trusts all employees to have informed their line manager that they have taken strike action immediately after they have returned to work following each period of strike action and in any event by no later than the deadlines for each period as referred to below;
February Strike Days (weeks 1 and 2)
- Deadline for declarations to line managers by no later than 6 March
March Strike Days (weeks 3 and 4)
- Deadline for declarations to line managers by no later than 25 March
Communications with students
We are advising students to work on the basis that their studies will continue as normal unless they are told otherwise by their School. This means that they should attend scheduled teaching, complete and submit assessments by the relevant deadlines, and continue to plan for any examinations. Communications for students are being posted on MyManchester.
The University will not benefit from any pay which is deducted and will instead use it for the benefit of our students including additional investment into disability and student support service, additional funding for scholarships for financially disadvantaged students and a series of student-led sustainability initiatives.
Guidance to help colleagues in dealing with student queries is available. Please share this with your colleagues as you feel appropriate.
Further information
- Our position on pay and pensions
- Our finances at a glance
- Updates on the negotiations (Universities and Colleges Employers Association)
- HR Guidance for staff taking strike action
- FAQs for staff dealing with student enquiries
- MyManchester student FAQs