1/9 I hope this thread will bring a sliver of joy to those on strike. It's a thread about solidarity and music, and strikes. One of the most profound experiences of my career and life was the #UCUStrike of 2018. It was my second year as 
2/9 a lecturer at Uni of Exeter, and my first time on strike. As well as making great friends on the picket line, a few of us formed an impromptu band called 'Comrade Snowflake'. What was wonderful was the solidarity. There was myself, lucky enough to be on a permanent contract,
3/9 @drrhianelinor - at the time a PhD student on a casualized contract, Gabriel, a PhD student, and @GromskiOliver, an undergraduate student and one of the most talented musicians I've ever met. None of us had known each other before, but striking brought us together #ucustrike
4/9 We did our best to keep spirits up on the picket line, playing Solidarity Forever, Power in a Union and the The Internationale on repeat (but mostly solidarity forever). @billybragg even showed up and we were lucky enough to jam with him! #UCUstrike
5/9 To this day I'm still not sure tuning his guitar was in...
6/9 As we painted posters (see below), planned teach outs, learned about pensions, and drank endless cups of sweet hot tea, we became bonded in a way that still makes me feel emotional today. We wrote songs about Vice Chancellor corruption and educational reform. Olly even
7/9 had an accordion too.
Strikes are tough. You strike because you want something to change. It is tougher for some than others - but solidarity gives us strength, both political but also spiritual. It builds deep bonds that can be impervious to even the most devious tactics
Strikes are tough. You strike because you want something to change. It is tougher for some than others - but solidarity gives us strength, both political but also spiritual. It builds deep bonds that can be impervious to even the most devious tactics
8/9 Even now, as I type from a different country, having moved from the UK, I get a lump in my throat when I see the hashtag #UCUStrike, and see photos of students and/or workers united in common purpose. You guys are wonderful, brave and I love you for it.
9/9 I want to leave you with a beautiful ballad written by Olly called Red Weather Warning, named in part after the storms of 2018. It details the journey from couch to the picket line. I hope it will bring a smile at the end of a tough day #Solidarity <3 soundcloud.com/user-600488288…
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