The Political Studies Association (PSA) recognises the importance of the action undertaken by the University and College Union (UCU). As we did in 2018 and last December, the PSA gives its full support to our members and other colleagues who are concerned about their terms and conditions of employment including those who have decided to strike during February and March 2020. We recognise the challenge presented by the changes taking place in higher education and the sacrifices that academics are making to themselves and their students at this difficult time.

The Political Studies Association is the largest professional association of political scientists in the UK. As a learned society and registered charity, our work involves engaging with academic colleagues, university students and those with an interest in political studies outside of academia. Our membership includes school teachers, undergraduates and the public as well as academics – including those who are not members of the UCU and those who belong to different pension schemes. While working closely with higher education as an organisation, we are not subject to the strike action currently underway however, and so will continue to operate. This will include essential work related to our Annual International Conference which will be held in Edinburgh in early April.

We have consulted the UCU to ensure that, as far as possible, we respect the strike action taking place. We will cancel or postpone some PSA activities out of respect to those on strike and to enable them to get involved in the future. However certain core activities, such as the Annual Conference and digital communications relating to our operations, will continue during this period in order to support all of our members and to further the study of politics in general.

PSA Chair Professor Angelia Wilson adds:
The PSA stands shoulder to shoulder with our academic colleagues at this challenging time. We hope that members of the UCU will, in turn, support our position as a learned society. We would urge all parties to reach an acceptable agreement swiftly for the sake of our students, academics and other staff who are essential to maintaining our world class higher education system.