Scorchio!!!

Not quite taps-aff in Edinburgh on day 4 of this week (day 14 of this year, and day 17 of the current round of strikes of pensions, pay and working conditions) but some deck chairs and an ice cream van would not have been out of place this morning.

Thank-you to everyone who has observed the strike action this week and especially those who have joined the in person and virtual pickets. Tomorrow (25^th March) is our last day of our current wave before other branches start action next week. Lets make the picket the largest and most vibrant yet.

We picket from around 08:30 to 10:30 outside the main entrance to the Edinburgh campus, and tomorrow we will have a Book Swap to raise funds for the branch hardship fund. Please bring any books you would like to swap (probably not academic books!) and some cash to buy some books on the day (we are suggesting a £1 per book donation – we recognise times are very tough so if you would like a book please do come along and you can donate another time). The Book Swap will last from around 09:00 to 10:00 with our daily photo taken at 10:00 If, like Elvis, you don’t carry cash you can donate online.

To make the social media photos as vibrant as possible please consider wearing some bright colours and bring a homemade placard. I will be wearing my lovely UCU coloured tights and making a placard to show my solidarity with the P&O workers. Please see https://twitter.com/The_TUC/status/1506958305150840837 if you are looking for some inspiration. Please also bring any food you would like. The bar has been set high by yesterday’s BBQ s’mores.

If you haven’t been to a picket before, please come and meet some new friends. Tomorrow will be a great day to start.

If you have any colleagues who are not in the UCU they will also be most welcome to visit the picket, donate to the hardship fund, and look for some new new books! If eligible, they can also join UCU online at https://www.ucu.org.uk/join

See you there!!

Ballot papers

Please also remember to post your ballot papers. The educational trade unions have put their pay claim forward and this will make a tangible material difference to your life.

It is essential we show the employers that we are committed to not only our own working conditions, but to preserving universities for the next generation of workers. If you have not received or lost your ballot papers you must request a new one ASAP.

Thank you for your patience as we follow up with members via email and text to find out if you’ve been able to vote yet or not. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the branch.