Striking in a small university:
This is no mean feat. 1st, we had to resurrect a branch close to folding. 2nd, we had the first GTVO at 49.3%. That meant one person not posting their vote so we didn’t cross the line. 3rd, we had a big push on round two with 68% vote strike. 1/
This is no mean feat. 1st, we had to resurrect a branch close to folding. 2nd, we had the first GTVO at 49.3%. That meant one person not posting their vote so we didn’t cross the line. 3rd, we had a big push on round two with 68% vote strike. 1/
Striking in a small university: 91% ASOS. This was huge for us and crucially put us in a strong local negotiating position. 4th, a small core organised the picket, placards & posters made, recruiting members to striking rota. 5th, the small core grew to a bigger core. 2/
Striking in a small university: pickets were formed, new members recruited, friendships forged, plans to grow the branch made. All this whilst garnering toots on the daily picket line. It’s been amazing BUT 3/
Today was a struggle. There were 5 on the picket line. Stalwarts had a well deserved day off. The realisation that it’s hard picketing every day, gathering that energy. It’s exhausting. And striking in a small university, we feel very visible and vulnerable. 4/
We see our exec and SMT go past us every day. Next week, we’ll be working with them again, in our day jobs because in small universities this is what happens. So yes, we feel visible and vulnerable. No hiding if you’re striking. 5/
So as a colleague said today, in a small university you have to be brave. And this is why we are calling for all our non-striking members to come out for #finalFriday and be brave with us. You can do this. We have, for 12 days. #StrongerTogether
