New University and College Union (UCU) Update 

What is the current update on the Marking and Assessment Boycott (MAB)? 
The Marking and Assessment Boycott has been called off by the national UCU therefore all marking will be underway at all institutions including Stirling. The University FAQ page has recently been updated with the most current information regarding the impact of the MAB. 

What are the strike days? 
As part of the ongoing dispute over pay and conditions, UCU has confirmed that they have called for industrial action (strikes) due to take place from Monday 11th September until Friday 29th September. The reason for the current industrial action is over the 50% pay deductions to their pay checks that those taking part in the MAB received since June 1st. Members that take part in the planned upcoming industrial action will not be paid for the days that they strike.  

What is your Students’ Union doing? 
As your student Sabbatical Officers, we wholeheartedly support the UCU in taking industrial action over the pay deductions they saw during the Marking and Assessment Boycott. We have written to University Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Gerry McCormac to express our disappointment that an agreement over the pay deduction with the local UCU has not happened as we believe that lecturers working conditions are our learning conditions. We urged him to return to negotiations with the local UCU branch. 

What can I do? 
As students, you can voice your support for the UCU by taking part in the industrial action and not attending your set lectures during the strike period. You can show your support for your lecturers by joining them on the picket lines or on social media.  

*Update* You can now also sign an open letter in support of UCU.

However, if you are an International Student on a Tier 4 VISA, the Union recommends that you do not take part in the strikes. Under the regulations of your VISAs, you must attend your lectures to maintain your attendance. If you want to show your support for your lecturers, we urge you to do this outside of your prescribed lecture/seminar/class times and on social media.  

This information will be reviewed and updated as required.