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PSA Statement on the forthcoming UCU Industrial Action

29 November 2021

 

The Political Studies Association (PSA) recognises the importance of the action undertaken by the University and College Union (UCU). 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 from 1-3 December. We recognise the challenge presented by the changes taking place in higher education, and the sacrifices that academics are making for themselves and their students at this difficult time.

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 ourselves subject to the strike action currently underway, and so will continue to operate. This will include essential work related to our Annual Conference, which will be held in York in April.

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 Roger Awan-Scully adds: 

The PSA is aware that this is a very difficult time for many of our academic colleagues. Strike action is not something that fits easily with the ethos of our profession, and those supporting the strike have not done so lightly. We very much hope that agreements can be reached soon that will not only address immediate issues, but consider the long-term best interests of students, academics and other staff, and the health of higher education in the UK”