UWE Bristol statement on industrial action – November 2022

Media Relations Team, 17 November 2022

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UWE Bristol is one of a number of universities whose Unison and UCU (University and College Union) members are undertaking industrial action in the form of a two-day strike on Thursday 24 November and Friday 25 November and again on Wednesday 30 November 2022.

We are disappointed that this industrial action is taking place and we regret the potential disruption this will cause but we respect the right of our colleagues to undertake this action.

We are working hard to mitigate any potential disruption for our students and staff across these three days.

Please note that the University’s graduation ceremonies at Bristol cathedral 21–25 November 2022 are still going ahead as normal.

UWE Bristol will continue to work with UCU Unison and other unions to support students and staff.

Information for students

What is happening?

This means both professional services and academic staff will be taking part, which may impact you.

We are disappointed that this industrial action is taking place but we respect the right of our colleagues to undertake this action and we are working hard to reduce any potential disruption for you.

What is the strike action about?

The strikes are related to ongoing national disputes throughout the higher education sector on topics such as pension schemes pay and working conditions.

The issues are of concern to us at UWE Bristol as well as across the higher education sector and we continue to work closely with our trade union colleagues locally with the aim of helping to make UWE Bristol a great place to work and study.

How will learning and teaching be affected?

Unfortunately, during a period of strike action your teaching could be cancelled at short notice. This is because staff do not have to notify the University in advance.

You should attempt to attend every class or lecture as normal unless you are informed otherwise.

You will not be recorded as absent if a class is cancelled due to strike action. If you’re an international student with a Tier 4 visa or student visa, it will not be affected.

If you are an apprentice, your attendance record will also not be affected. If you are due to be on placement please attend as planned.

Will my timetable be affected?

It is crucial that you keep checking your timetable during this time. If a session is cancelled it will disappear from your timetable. Keep checking your timetable for any changes in case a session is rescheduled as, unfortunately, we are not able to inform you of these changes at short notice.

You may receive specific information from your programme leads — we encourage you to engage with this as you may receive information that’s useful to you in a more timely manner.

Postgraduate research students

We recognise you are in a unique position in that you may be both a student and a member of staff. If you need support or advice please contact the graduate school or your line manager.

How will this affect my assessments?

All deadlines for coursework will remain in place and you should plan to submit your work accordingly, unless you are informed otherwise.

Are services such as InfoPoints and the Cash Office still available?

During this strike action our InfoPoint phonelines will be unavailable. You can contact the team via email infopoint@uwe.ac.uk and they will respond as soon as possible. The cash office will also be closed for walk ins.

Can I still access support during this time?

Our wellbeing support services and advice will continue to be available during this time. If you need support, you can still access our 24/7 wellbeing services self-help tools and out of hours guidance.

Are campuses still open?

Yes, if your teaching is cancelled, we encourage you to still come to campus to study and use our facilities, such as the library, hospitality areas and Students’ Union.

Update on technical facilities at Bower Ashton Arnolfini and Spike Island campuses

Art Shop at Bower – open on Wednesday 30 November, 09:00, however it will close for lunch between 12:30–13:30.
Bower Ashton C Block – print area not open on Wednesday 30 November.
Bower Ashton D Block – Fabrication will not be open on Wednesday 30 November, except wood area bookings, which are being honoured by Justin Day.
Bower Ashton G Block – Central Loans will be open as normal on Wednesday 30 November.
Bower Ashton Digital Print Bureau – not open on Wednesday 30 November.
Digital Fabrication – open as usual on Wednesday 30 November.
Drama – studio will be closed on Wednesday 30 November.
Fashion – technical spaces only open to knit, third-year dedicated users.
Film – computer rooms open limited staff available.
Media/Journalism – computer rooms open limited staff available.
Photography – open as usual.
SPC – open as usual.
Spike Island studios – open and will close at 17:00.

If you think you have evidence that the learning outcomes on your course have not been delivered due to industrial action, please follow our complaints process Our website has information for you about understanding the complaints process and submitting a complaint.

If you are dissatisfied with our response to your complaint, The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) provides an independent scheme for the review of student complaints. They have published a series of Frequently Asked Questions that relate to Industrial Action, which you may wish to read.