MPs' support for striking uni staff

INDUSTRIAL action among Newcastle University academics reached its 25th day on Thursday with three Labour MPs and unions pledging support.

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Unionised Newcastle University academics have been on discontinuous strike since March, protesting over the institution’s target to slash its wage bill by £20m, equating to around 300 jobs. Now, although the University has achieved the majority of its target through voluntary severance, campus bosses are pushing ahead with attempts to cut, through redundancy offers, 38 more roles.

To mark the 25th day of industrial action, the University and College Union (UCU) held a rally outside the University’s Kings Building.

Guest speakers included the Northern Chair of the Trade Union Congress David Pike and Karl Wager of the Fire Brigade Union.