If you want the strike to make a difference – strike differently

~ lucuonstrike

Student: why have I failed again, when I really, really hoped I would pass this time?Teacher: because you hoped but didn’t actually change what you did – I’m so sorry. Anyone who works or studies in higher education knows this story.  While hope is powerful, hope is not enough.  This is our message for the … Continue reading If you want the strike to make a difference – strike differently

Why I’m supporting my striking lecturers: from a Lancaster University student

~ lucuonstrike

Being a student right now is hard. Our universities are becoming ever more focused on squeezing money out of us, and ever less interested in offering a genuinely rewarding experience of learning. Our stress goes up: our teaching hours go down. The cost of living skyrockets: we try not to think about how much money … Continue reading Why I’m supporting my striking lecturers: from a Lancaster University student

What would a sustainable HE system look like?

~ lucuonstrike

Another sunny day of strike on Thursday! Once again, the pickets were well-attended and lively, also thanks to the support of our great students. We were also visited by MP Cat Smith. Lancaster UCU is grateful for Cat Smith's continued support and commitment to fair working and learning conditions at Lancaster University, and more broadly … Continue reading What would a sustainable HE system look like?

Why the raid on pensions is the final straw: working into a cold, bleak future

~ lucuonstrike

On Wednesday, the first day of strike went very well. Members s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d out on the four COVID-safe pickets, even enjoying a few sun rays and a rain-free morning. We were warmed by cheerful students once again showing their support, and we welcomed the solidarity by other unions and groups in Lancaster's community. In other words, … Continue reading Why the raid on pensions is the final straw: working into a cold, bleak future

The System is Broken and Unsustainable: students and staff win or lose together

~ lucuonstrike

Students and staff must stand in solidarity against the greedy and irrational behaviour of senior management.  Higher education doesn’t have to look like this.  Let’s fight back!   Higher education is in crisis. Those who suffer most in this crisis are students and staff, and yet they are not the authors of the crisis.  Elitist … Continue reading The System is Broken and Unsustainable: students and staff win or lose together

Day 13 on the Picket – Daffodils, Ducks & the Lancaster University Court Reanimated

~ lucuonstrike

Today’s picket saw angry ducks and daffodils dominating Lancaster University’s #Luspring hashtag. The Picket line is, where spring happens at Lancaster Uni. We sported beautiful handmade flower wreaths and garlands, extravagant yellow hats and people brought their picket dogs out. Our sister unions Unison and Unite made us coffee again, as they had done every … Continue reading Day 13 on the Picket – Daffodils, Ducks & the Lancaster University Court Reanimated

Day 12 on the Lancaster Picket – Jumping through hoops day

~ lucuonstrike

It was simply wonderful to see so many strikers on the picket on ‘jumping through hoops day’. We’d rather jump trough hoola hoops, than through the pointless performance management hoops University managers put up for us. Music and fun exercises on the picket kept us well entertained. Our sister unions Unison & Unite brought us … Continue reading Day 12 on the Lancaster Picket – Jumping through hoops day