Staff at Bradford University–represented by the University and College Union (UCU)–are preparing to walk out for five consecutive days. They plan to walk out July 21–25 in order to protest the $45 million in cuts that management at the affected campuses has proposed. Aside from this current four-day strike, staff will be walking out on the 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th of July. The union’s proposed strike follows management’s impending budgetary moves that workers say endanger vital programs and staff jobs.
Speaking after the announcement, UCU general secretary Jo Grady struck an urgent tone that matched the moment. She added that, rather than strike, Bradford staff felt they had “no choice but to down tools.” Union members were incensed by the proposed cuts. They argue that these cuts would remove critical classes and force layoffs within the college. In a recent ballot, 67% of UCU members supported the motion to take industrial action. This is indicative of the deep anger and frustration among employees.
Grady explained the unintended consequences of management’s actions. She stated that Bradford personnel should not have to reach a breaking point and stop working. Not for them, not for their staff homes turned into battlegrounds between school management’s financial mismanagement and staff and student survival. Staff are in no doubt that this would make education at the University of Bradford wholly unsustainable. This fear comes from a long history of financial struggles.
Those strikes are a direct result of the failure of these financial plans due to differences between labor/management. Grady warned that if the university leadership does not start addressing these issues, more dramatic disruptions would happen. Let me be clear, she said, “If she continues to non-comply, we will make campus an unsafe space.” She reiterated that it will only get worse if we don’t make progress on these conversations.
Amid these news, a spokesperson from the university admitted that these were “challenging times” for faculty as well as students. We know that there are many hurting and reeling on campus during this difficult time. We look forward to continuing support in any way possible. The spokesperson declined to provide specifics on what changes might be in store to the proposed cuts. They further failed to detail how the university plans to increase transparency and accountability to staff.
With strike dates looming, the impact on staff and students at Bradford University are palpable. They are anxious to hear about updates on their Board demands for job security, protection of essential courses. This lawsuit could have a devastating effect on the university’s academic freedom. It can change the fate of the community as a whole in permanent and profound ways.
