Ahead of UCEA talks: join the emergency day of protest this Wednesday

We are calling on all staff and students to unite and send a message to vice-chancellors. 

UCU will be working with the National Union of Students (NUS) and other supportive groups nationally to ensure this event is given as much media publicity as possible. 

Members, branches and students on the ground are encouraged to join the protests in whatever way you can organise in your locality. Whilst there is not a great deal of notice locally, the emergency nature of this action means we are asking you all to do everything possible to make the day a success. 

Suggestions nationally for your events include on campus protests, joint staff/student meetings, social media storms to target university accounts, contacting local media and holding online events. We also encourage you to be as innovative as possible at a local level.

Nationally we will ensure that every single local action is giving maximum exposure to pressure UCEA ahead of the negotiations. 

We cannot and will not allow them to filibuster talks to a point where students miss out on their degrees and staff are plunged further into debt via their punishment charter approach to pay deductions. 

Right across the UK, the campus unity has been uplifting. Let's make this Wednesday the biggest show of strength yet. We have less than 48 hours to get this off the ground. 

Every single small action counts--be part of the pressure. Be part of the union. 

See you on Wednesday. 

In solidarity

Jo Grady
UCU general secretary