While we don't think strikes are the right way to go about the current negotiations, we fully respect the right of staff to strike and recognise how important the issues are that are being discussed. A number of working groups are meeting across the University to help manage our response to the upcoming strike period, including how we can minimise any impact on our students.
Strike days
Strike days have been taking place throughout, with the recent postponement of strike days meaning that there are no further days until 16 March.
On strikes days, UCU members who are participating in the strike action will not complete the usual duties related to their rule. This means that some lectures and classes may be cancelled and other activity may not be staffed as normal.
Staff on strike may stand on picket lines across the University, which will be stewarded by UCU and are a peaceful show of demonstration. Any pay savings as a result of staff striking at Kent will be reinvested in the student experience as we have in recent years.
Action Short of a Strike
Along with the strike action, UCU have also announced a period of Action Short of a Strike or ASOS. This runs from 23 November through until further notice and could take the form of working to contract; not undertaking any voluntary activities not sharing teaching materials relating to classes missed due to strikes; and not rescheduling lectures or classes cancelled due to strike action.
Outside of strike days, marking and assessment will carry on as usual unless there are further announcements on this from UCU.