Today (14 February), Internal Communications wrote to all staff. You can view the message below:

Dear colleague,

Today (Monday 14 February), some members of University and College Union (UCU) will begin strike action which is scheduled to take place over the following dates:

• Week 1 – Monday 14 February to Friday 18 February (5 days)
• Week 2 – Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 February (2 days)
• Week 3 – Monday 28 February, Tuesday 1 March and Wednesday 2 March (3 days)

Why the strikes are taking place
This round of strike action follows three days of action on 1-3 December 2021 and is in relation to ongoing, national disputes about pay, working conditions and pensions.

In addition, some UCU members are taking another form of industrial action known as action short of a strike (ASOS) until May 2022. ASOS typically means staff carry out their core duties but do not take on any additional responsibilities.

Action short of a strike
UCU’s instructions for action short of a strike are as follows:

• Only working contracted hours and duties and not volunteering to do more.
• Not rescheduling classes and lectures cancelled due to strike action.
• Not covering for absent colleagues.
• Removing uploaded materials related to, and/or not sharing materials related to, lectures or classes that will be or have been cancelled as a result of strike action.

How campus will be affected
Depending on your role you may not be directly affected by any strike action.

Likewise, some students will experience little or no disruption as a result of any strike action. For those who are impacted, we would be doing everything possible to support students and their education. 

Our focus has been, and will continue to be, minimising the disruption to our students and their learning outcomes.

Travelling to campus
Buses will be travelling to the University throughout the industrial action.

We expect that buses will not enter campus between 6.30am and 3pm on strike days. Between 6.30am and 3pm (in other words, in the mornings and until early afternoon) buses are likely to stop just outside campus on the A27 slip road and then near Falmer Station.

For service updates, see the Brighton & Hove Buses website. We suggest you allow more time than usual to get to campus by bus.

Trains are due to run as normal on strike days.

Accessible Minibus
A wheelchair accessible minibus will be provided on strike days between 09:30 and 15:30.

The minibus will largely use the campus bus stops and will travel around the campus every 30 minutes. Please see a map of the route.

The bus is free to use and can be accessed by anyone with access needs. Please show your sunflower / red lanyard or Helping Hands cards etc if your disability is less obvious.

What to do if you are taking action
We ask that members of teaching staff who decide to take strike action cancel their classes in advance in Sussex Direct or via an announcement on your Canvas module.

It is University policy that staff are required to notify the institution if they have taken strike action, which you will be able to do via an electronic form we will share with you. In addition, all staff who take strike action must inform their line manager, if this information is requested.

The University is entitled to withhold pay for individuals who breach their employment contract by striking and will do so at a rate of 1/365th of annual salary for each day of action. This is pro rata for part-time staff. Please be advised that the University also reserves the right to deduct pay for ASOS.

Support available
We recognise any period of industrial action is difficult for everyone involved. As with previous periods of industrial action, the University will be working to ensure that our students’ education and learning outcomes are not disadvantaged whilst respecting our colleagues’ right to take lawful action. We will provide the space for different views and decisions, while maintaining a culture of dignity and respect. If you would like additional support please visit our wellbeing hub.

Further information

• Visit the staff web pages where you can access FAQs and further information.
• For updates on the USS pensions position from UUK go to https://www.ussemployers.org.uk
• We have also been providing information to students and you can see that guidance on the Student Hub.

Best wishes,
Internal Communications