Industrial Action - 1 February to 30 March 2023
Chief Operating Officer Rachel Brealey updates colleagues on Industrial Action.
Dear colleagues,
Colleagues will be aware that the University experienced a number of days of strike action and an ongoing campaign of action short of strike action (ASOS) between 1 February and 30 March 2023. While we respect the right of staff to participate in lawful industrial action, our approach to managing the impact of such action is guided by our collective responsibility to protect the interests of our students, retain the cohesion of our community, protect the standard of Leeds degrees and qualifications and to adhere to the requirements of our sector regulator, the Office for Students. Prioritising teaching and student education above other activity has been our priority. More information is here: https://forstaff.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/435/industrial_action
Whilst the recent industrial action has been disruptive and presented challenges, our initial assessment is that colleagues have worked together to ensure the prioritisation and delivery of agreed educational activities and to protect the education of our students. On that basis, and following discussions with our local UCU branch, it has not been necessary at this time for the University to withhold salary in respect of staff participating in ASOS during the period between 1 February to 30 March. Provided that it remains the case that student education has not been adversely impacted by ASOS, there would be no reason for the University to withhold salary in respect of ASOS during this period. Participation in strike action, however, has and will result in salary being withheld at 1/365 for each day of strike action taken.
Colleagues have been asked to report participation in strike action via the Employee Self-Service (ESS) system, but we are aware that a number have yet to do so. Further to our discussion with the local UCU branch, staff who have not yet reported all dates on which they took strike action between 1 February and 30 March 2023 are reminded that they are required to do this and should do so via the Employee Self Service (ESS) or by visiting hr.leeds.ac.uk using the Windows Virtual Desktop. The ESS system is now open and will remain so until 5pm on Friday 5 May. Salary adjustments for days reported in this timeframe will be made in May salaries. The University has confirmed to the local UCU branch that no further action will be taken in respect of non-reporting against staff who report their strike action by the 5 May deadline.
Thank you for your co-operation,
Rachel Brealey
Chief Operating Officer
Posted in: Industrial Action 2021/22University news