UCU Sussex supports the UNITE strikers in their fight for fair pensions, however there are specific guidelines on what members can and cannot do in terms of expressing their solidarity on declared days of strike action and during any period of action short of a strike.  Please read the following carefully.  If you have any questions feel free to contact the UCU office at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , x2093:

When trade union members have voted for strike action in a legitimate ballot, they have limited immunity from their employer taking action against them for striking. As UCU members have not been balloted, you do not have this protection. UCU cannot encourage members not to work as normal on the day of strike action.

On strike days UNITE members will be picketing on campus. We would encourage members to provide as much support as possible to UNITE members who are picketing. However, we cannot advise you not to cross the picket line as such advice may be regarded as unlawful. Also, joining the actual picket is secondary action. Common sense should be exercised but moral support, particularly on remote picket lines, will be welcomed.

If your colleagues are on strike, you are advised not to undertake their duties. For example, if your laboratory is normally set up by a colleague who is on strike you are under no obligation to cover for their absence or take on that work yourself. You should always also remain mindful of health and safety considerations. Union reps will be able to provide additional advice in specific cases.

If you are put under pressure to cover work by your manager, you should contact your UCU representatives as quickly as possible.

Prior to the strike action, there is no obligation on UCU members to inform management about their intentions on the days of strike action. The question should not be asked of UCU members in the first place. Your branch have requested that management stop making any such requests of UCU members. It is hoped that this can be dealt with collectively.

If UNITE members are forced into taking further action short of a strike, UCU will issue further guidance based on the principle of not covering the work of striking colleagues.