Following a recent national ballot by UCU (the trade union that represents academic staff) and UNISON (professional support staff), BU has now been notified that both unions will be holding a one day strike on the 31 October 2013.
In addition, we have been notified that UCU will be taking action short of a strike by way of “working to contract” with effect from 1 November 2013. It is not possible at this stage to say exactly how the one day strike on 31 will affect any lectures/seminars or other services a week on Thursday but BU is doing all it can to minimise the impact on students. We expect that the majority of activities and services will continue unaffected by this strike and students are advised that lectures will continue as normal unless told otherwise by individual academics or communications in the Schools.
Students are also asked to look out for late cancellations running up to and on this day and, in the event that a lecture is not cancelled but a lecturer does not attend a planned session, please contact your Programme Administrator or school administration office.
In addition, in respect of action short of strike action we are expecting staff to work normally and efficiently fulfilling their contractual obligations in full and therefore, are unable to indicate at this stage an effect that this might have.
The University is keen to stress that this is a national dispute and it does not endorse the strike action and has asked academic staff to ensure that any potential effects on students are minimised.
We will keep you informed of any further updates as and when they become available. If you have any questions please contact the school admin office.