University picket lines will close tomorrow (Wednesday 4 December) after a strike lasting eight days.
Staff from the University of Nottingham took part in the walkout at 10 picket lines across four campuses.
The strikers are disputing a number of issues across pay, conditions and pensions.
Lecturer in science education, Pete Sorensen, spoke from his picket at the Jubilee Campus of the support received during the strike: “We’ve had an excellent response.”
Strikers are members of the University and College Union.
Mr Sorensen added: “We’re particularly pleased with the way the student body has been supporting us. We’ve had excellent messages of support and the students of the University of Nottingham actually occupied the Trent building yesterday to support us.”
Dr Matthew Green, an associate professor in English Literature posted at the University Park campus’ west entrance, echoed the support from students, calling it “exceptional”.
Dr Green encourages others to support the staff during this time, explaining how members of the public and other staff members can support.
“People can write to the Vice Chancellor, members of UCU can refuse to cross the picket line and strike with us,” he said.
“Unless we invest properly in the future through our universities, as a country we won’t have the kind of economy we need.”
PETE SORENSEN, SCIENCE EDUCATION LECTURER
For Mr Sorensen, the strikes, which started on Monday November 25, are just a small part of a bigger picture.
“Unless we invest properly in the future through our universities, as a country we won’t have the kind of economy we need to support all the infrastructure of public service that we need.”
Both staff members were prepared to strike again if demands aren’t met, with Mr Sorensen asserting that “If we don’t get the action that we need on this and don’t get some of our demands met we’re going to be in a position where we will have to take further action.”
The university said its priorities are providing education for students while seeking a resolution to the dispute.
In a statement online, it added: “Schools will explore options to reschedule sessions, provide resources through Moodle, extend deadlines where helpful and ensure that assessments reflect the learning that has taken place.”
