Solidarity with UCU

Eastbourne Trade Unionists proudly send our solidarity to members of the UCU taking strike action today at the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, in protest at attacks on working conditions, casualisation, and changes to pension rights.

The UCU branch at Sussex told us:

High quality education and fair working conditions depend on contracts that give staff stability and continuity of employment. 68% of research staff in higher education are on fixed term contracts, with many more dependent on short-term funding for continued employment. 

A survey carried out by the University of Sussex in 2018 found that only 40% of casual staff believe that they are valued for the work they do, whilst only 35% feel safe to speak up and challenge the way things are done in the University.

Staff are on short, fixed term contracts despite working in the same departments for over 4 years. This continued lack of stability is affecting people's mental health. 

We stand together to speak up about the University's exploitation of its dedicated, hard-working staff and demand an end to precarious contracts. 

 You can find out more about the UCU action at their national website by clicking here.