Disruption caused by an indefinite marking boycott might prove effective in securing UK academics a better deal on pay and working conditions, but “war-weariness” and heavy-handed tactics from employers could still derail the effort at a “fragile” moment.
Up to 145 universities could be affected by the University and College Union (UCU) action, which started on 20 April, with graduations said to be in doubt as assessment grinds to a halt in some departments. General secretary Jo Grady said university staff “have been crystal clear that they are worth more than what has been put on the table, and now bosses need to wake up and prevent widespread disruption”.
The boycott covers setting and marking essays and exams, invigilation and external validation of grades. While academics are continuing to teach and carry out other duties, more than 60 employers have promised to deduct between 50 and 100 per cent of wages from those taking part.
Such a tactic has been met with calls for the UCU to respond by calling more strikes, while the union has also been trying to increase fundraising to support affected academics and some have been urging it to test the legality of such deductions in court.
