Strike action over pension cuts, pay and working conditions will begin on Monday.

Those who take part do not take this decision lightly, a day’s pay is sacrificed for each day of participation. However, if we don’t fight we stand to lose more. Up to a third of our pension on retirement; a continuing real value reduction of take home pay in face of soaring inflation; an increase in pressure and stress caused by unrealistic and unmanageable workloads, jobs and job security as more and more staff and services are casualised and outsourced; and the shameful failure to close gender and ethnic pay gaps across the sector.

Previous strikes have saved the defined benefit portion of the USS pension scheme, and more recently saved jobs when compulsory redundancies were threatened locally in 2020.

You do not have to be a member of a union to take part in industrial action and had have your voice heard, but it is advisable. Being part of a recognised collective bargaining group comes with benefits and protections. If you would like to join the UCU you can do so at https://heriotwatt.web.ucu.org.uk/how-to-join/ . It only takes a few minutes, it doesn’t cost much, and your subscription will be eligible for tax relief.