Amazon workers and university staff are walking out today (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

This week has seen huge strike disruption on the Tube, in education and several government departments.

Today, while those using public transport will welcome some much needed respite, university staff and Amazon workers are heading to the picket lines.

It is the second day in a row this week that members of the the education University and College Union (UCU) have walked out.

The action has been part of strikes hitting 150 universities across the country, over pay, working conditions and pension cuts.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: ‘The university sector in the UK has over £40bn sitting in reserves, but instead of using that vast wealth to deliver a cost-of-living pay rise and reverse devastating pension cuts, university vice-chancellors would rather force staff to take strike action and see campuses shut down.  

‘There is a clear route out of these disputes, but at present vice-chancellors lack the political will to take it. They are failing staff who want to get back to work, and students who want to get on with their studies.  

‘Students understand that staff working conditions are their learning conditions and we are proud to have their support in these disputes. A system that relies on low pay and the rampant use of insecure contracts is a system which fails everyone. 

Members of the UCU on their picket line at London College of Communication (Picture: Getty)

University staff have taken industrial action at 150 universities across the country (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘A resolution can be reached, but that is in the gift of university vice-chancellors who need to urgently reassess their priorities and deliver a deal that benefits staff and students.’

Meanwhile Amazon workers in Coventry have been taking part in industrial action all week.

The …read more

Source:: Metro News