FAQs
Who are UCU? [+]
UCU stands for the University and College Union, representing over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK.
Why is it happening? [+]
In January, Durham University announced cuts of tens of millions of pounds to its annual budget. The Vice-Chancellor says that these cuts are unavoidable and are necessary because of government policy, which has increased costs and reduced international student fee income.
We set out our position on cuts last term. UCU, the University and Colleges Union opposes several cuts, and members have voted to strike. You can read UCUs position here.
The Vice-Chancellor said in a communication to students, “We are doing all we can to achieve the necessary financial savings by voluntary means. However, we are not able to rule out the need for compulsory redundancies in order to put our university in a more sustainable financial position.”
We will provide a full update to the University community in mid-May as to whether we have done enough to achieve savings by voluntary means.”
What is a picket line? [+]
A picket line is the boundary formed by striking workers outside their place of employment. In Durham, this will most likely be across key teaching locations. If you would like to be aware of where the picket lines are, UCU will most likely share these on their social media.
Should I cross the picket lines? [+]
For striking staff members, crossing a picket line represents breaking the strike. UCU are clear that how students engage with the picket line is up to them. You may decide to cross a picket line to get into university buildings, or you may decide that you don’t want to cross the picket as an act of support for striking staff.
UCU are very clear that they wish students to still use student services like Disability Support, the Counselling Service, or the International Office as usual. Using these services, going into the Palatine centre, or going to the library is not breaking the picket line. You mustn’t feel like you are undermining the strike if you use any of these services.
I’m a postgrad who teaches. Can I strike? [+]
If you’re a member of UCU, you can strike the same as all UCU members. If you are not a member of UCU, but still wish to participate in the action, you could consider joining UCU.
Though non-UCU members do have the legal right to participate in strike action at their workplace, it is strongly recommended that you join UCU so that you have the protection of a trade union.
Will postgrads who teach be asked to cover for striking academics? [+]
Postgraduates should not be asked to cover for striking academics. If you are asked, this would technically be strike-breaking and we would recommend you contact our Advice Service.
What is a marking boycott? [+]
A marking boycott means that members of the UCU nationally, and at Durham University, may refuse to mark coursework, examinations or other formal assessments. A marking boycott has not been proposed for this round of industrial action.
I'm an international student. Will the strike action affect my visa? [+]
According to the university: If any classes or contact points are missed because of the strike it is recorded as an authorised absence.
Where else can I find information and support regarding the strike action?
If you’re concerned about disruptions to your work and deadlines, struggling to access university services, or need advice on an individual matter… [+]
The SU Advice Service can support students impartially and independently to understand their rights, as well as signpost to the most useful services for you.
If you’d like to know more about your rights and what to do if you’ve been affected by the strikes, or if you’d like to make a complaint… [+]
Visit our 'What if the industrial action impacts my studies page here.
For more information about your consumer rights visit our Resources page.
If you’re unclear whether deadlines are still set or if you’re expected to cover missed material yourself… [+]
Contact your Head of Department for more information about academic matters, including the mitigations being put in place for your specific course.
If you’re unclear what services, like the library or student support, you will be able to use… [+]
Check the University web pages first, and then ask a member of the College staff.
It’s the University’s responsibility to minimise disruption and ensure that vital services stay operational.
If you have any general strike questions for Durham University… [+]
You can contact the University about strike-related issues at strike.action@durham.ac.uk.
For the university FAQ page please visit Here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/industrial-action/faqs/faqs-for-students/
GLOSSARY – JARGON BUSTER
UCU - University and College Union, UCU, is a trade union that represents a large number of University staff in the UK, such as lecturers, professional service staff and postgraduate students.
UUK - Universities UK, UUK, is a representative organisation for the UK's universities.
USS - Universities Superannuation Scheme, USS, is one of the largest principal private pension schemes for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK.
Industrial Action - Industrial action is action taken by employees as a protest which can, for example, take the form of either a strike or action short of a strike.
Strike - A strike is a refusal to work organised by a body of employees as a form of protest.
Action Short of a Strike - Action short of a strike is an organised action by a body of employees as a form of a protest through actions that, as the name suggests, are just short of a strike. UCU has announced that in this dispute action short of a strike means that their members will only work to contract; not cover for absent colleagues; not reschedule lectures or classes cancelled due to strike action; and not undertake any voluntary activities over the course of the announced strike dates.
Picket line - A boundary established by workers on strike, especially at the entrance to the place of work, which others are asked not to cross.
Casualisation of work - When a workforce’s employees are less frequently given permanent contracts and more frequently hired on insecure, temporary or casual job contracts (such as zero-hour contracts).
Zero Hour – this is a type of contract between an employer and an employee whereby the employer is not obliged to provide any minimum number of working hours to the employee.
Fixed Term – this is a type of contract between an employer and employee that lasts for a specified period.
Permanent – this is a type of contract between an employer and employee that does not have a predetermined end date to the employment.
Preferendum - A referendum is a direct and universal vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal; a preferendum or preferenda is a referendum offering a choice of several options.
Trade Union - An organised association of workers in a trade, group of trades, or profession, trade unions are formed to protect and further the rights and interests of their members (this is different to students’ unions which are charities rather than trade unions).
Teach-outs – these are forms of protest where people come together for a teaching session outside of the University structure. A lot of the time they focus on topics of activism, the wider strike movement and building solidarity.
Ballot - Either a system of voting secretly and in writing on a particular issue, or as a verb, an organisation asking members to vote secretly on an issue.
Page last reviewed: 25/01/2023
