We recently surveyed our members as to why they have committed to strike action this November. Here is what they have to say:

I’m only asking for fair pay, fair contracts, and a fair pension… sounds fair enough…

 

I am striking to protect me, my colleagues and my students, and our futures.

I am fighting to protect Higher Education for future generations.

 

I need job security and a pay rise!

 

I am striking to prevent the real-terms pay cut we’ve been given, and to save our pensions after they were – as it turns out, unnecessarily – devalued, by an average of 30%.

 

I am striking to fight for a fair future for all working in Higher Education.

I don’t believe I have a choice – my individual attempts to improve my working conditions (pay and job security) have failed, so I have no option but to act collectively and go on strike.

 

The UK HE sector is awash with money from students, government and commerce – yet the people who produce this revenue see very little of it!!

 

I am striking to support the rights of University staff.

 

The statistics that 46% of those who teach in universities are employed on zero-hours contracts and that 63% of research staff are on precarious fixed-term contracts are appalling, even without the spiralling cost of living and a lousy 3% pay raise offer, along with the fact that a third of our pensions have been taken away on spurious grounds. We have to fight back against the uberisation of UK universities.

I am supporting industrial action because I do not wish to be complicit in the erosion of our rights and the theft of our income and pensions.

 

To make a fair change for all.

 

The system is corrupt, workers from every sector must unite to demand change.

 

They say cut back – we say fight back! I’m sick of being treated like crap. This is a chance to resist!

I am striking for the future of PGRs & all staff.

 

To combat working conditions that are as of this moment untenable, and to stand in solidarity with my colleagues across higher education.

 

I am furious at the dishonest way pension benefits have been cut and the increasing casualisation of University work.

 

I believe our pensions and salaries should be guarded.

I want to support the Union in defending the rights of workers in Higher Education.

 

No one wants to strike. We’ve all got bills to pay in increasingly difficult economic circumstances. But, I am joining this strike action because we have to stand together – against falling wages, against pension theft, against precarity and inequality.

 

Because enough is enough.