Update on Strikes

TL;DR: There are strikes for fair pay happening in Cambridge this week and next week. There will be several picket lines, which we believe students should avoid crossing where possible, except to attend exams and access support services.

What’s Going On?

Unite, one of the three trade unions recognised by the University of Cambridge, is taking strike action to demand fair pay and action on the rising cost of living. Together with Unison, Unite represents the vital non-academic staff across the University, including library, museum, IT, finance, estates, and student services staff. Their core demand is a Cambridge weighting (a pay supplement applied equally to all salary grades) to allow staff to afford to live where they work. This is similar to established schemes in London and Oxford.

The strike was triggered after the University implemented a national pay rise of just 1.4% (which represents a significant real-terms pay cut). Because Cambridge participates in national pay bargaining, annual baseline pay increases are negotiated between national unions and the national employer representatives (UCEA). While the University has limited say over these national yearly baseline increases, they are able to implement a Cambridge weighting and similar structures. All three University staff unions balloted their members for strike action last year, but only Unite met the legally required voter turnout threshold to authorise and begin strikes.

Why Does This Matter to Students?

To put it simply: staff working conditions are student learning conditions. Our collegiate university relies entirely on the hard work, expertise, and daily goodwill of both academic and non-academic staff. It is unsustainable and unfair that the people who make this institution an international centre of excellence are priced out of living in the city.

Solidarity between students and staff is a fundamental part of our community. The Student Council at the SU has consistently voted to support strikes, fair pay, and safe working conditions, reaffirming this position most recently on 18th May. And this goes both ways. When the Vet School was threatened, Unite representatives worked tirelessly alongside students to save it, including organising the rallies and providing the all-important megaphones. We must continue to stand alongside Unite through their campaigns, and we’d encourage all students to support Unite at their pickets.

What Does This Mean for Exams?

A key part of strike action involves setting up picket lines outside workplaces, where striking workers ask staff, students, and visitors not to cross. Unite will be picketing several sites across the University, including New Museums Site and Downing Site. The strikes are scheduled to take place from 20th-22nd May, and then again from 26th-29th May. The second wave of strikes covers several exams.

The decision of whether or not to cross a picket line is a deeply personal one. We strongly believe students should avoid crossing picket lines wherever possible, including by choosing to work in alternative libraries and study spaces during this week. However, to attend your exams, you should cross the picket lines, as it is unlikely that not wishing to cross a picket line will be considered a valid mitigating circumstance or reason for missing an exam. Additionally, if you need to access student support services (such as counselling or disability services) located behind picket lines, please do not be dissuaded from doing so. 

In the unlikely event these strikes disrupt your exams, you should make an invigilator aware before or during your exam. As soon as you finish, contact your college tutorial office and/or our Advice Team to go through any options which may be available to you. There is a strict seven day time limit on the mitigating circumstances process, and time is of the essence.

What is the SU Doing?

We’re supportive of all efforts to improve pay for staff. Augustin and Matthew raised the issue of a Cambridge Weighting in a conversation with the Vice Chancellor last week. At every opportunity, we’ve advocated for greater pay increases and the introduction of this weighting for both staff and students receiving stipends. Additionally, we’re in contact with Unite and looking to work with them to best support their demands and minimise the impact of these strikes on students.

Affected Exams

All exams scheduled from 8:30-12:30 between 26th-29th May at New Museums and Downing sites are highly likely to be picketed, and are listed below.

We do not currently believe exams taking place at the Sports Centre or the Sidgwick Site will be impacted.

If you have any questions, concerns, or need guidance on mitigating circumstances, please reach out directly to our Advice Team.