Dispatches from the picket lines, Wednesday 16 February

Today was the third day of the USS industrial action. It has been amazing to see so many of you continue to share heart-warming pictures from picket lines and inspirational teach outs. We are also witnessing increased numbers of members and branches applying pressure to their vice-chancellors through open letters and lobbying (examples from Brunel, Open University, Surrey) to back UCU's proposals, and help resolve this dispute with us. Please keep up this pressure, it can be hard work but we know that it works.

Universities UK (UUK) has now dropped the factually incorrect claim that UCU's proposals would see employer contributions increasing to more than 25.2% from April 2023 or at any other point. However, in their correspondence to employers, we believe that UUK has continued to make a number of claims that need to be rebutted in every institution, if our university leaders are to make good decisions in their USS consultation responses. As such I have written to all of our branches today with a point-by-point rebuttal to be used in local negotiations.

Despite what some vice-chancellors claim, they do not have 'little power' either with UUK or amongst their peers to influence the USS consultation and help resolve the dispute. Staff have shown how much energy they have poured into making our universities a success, and now we need to see vice-chancellors step up and prevent a cut to our pensions and end this dispute.

Tomorrow I will be in London visiting numerous pickets lines, including KCL (Bush House North, 30 Aldwych) at 11:45 where I will be joined by Jeremy Corbyn, but before I sign off for today I want to draw everyone's attention to these marvellous mugs which the CWU are selling to help raise money for the UCU fighting fund. 

Solidarity

Jo Grady
UCU general secretary