Strike action planned at UK universities has been suspended for at least the next two weeks after all sides reported significant progress in the long running disputes over pay, pensions and working conditions.
Some staff looked set to receive increased pension benefits and unions said they have secured commitments on the phasing out of zero hours contracts but pay is unlikely to rise beyond the employers’ latest offer, except for those on the lowest wages.
It means seven of the remaining 12 days of strikes will not go ahead, covering the period 21 February until 2 March. Action planned for later next month may still take place and the University and College Union (UCU) has confirmed it still intends to ballot members to secure a six-month extension of its mandate, should it be needed.
General secretary Jo Grady said the strikes had been called off to allow for a “period of calm” as the union holds “intensive negotiations” with employers to secure a final agreement.
