University of Bolton take part in national strike for better pay

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) walked out of 150 universities across the country.

The strike is the first of 18 days planned by the UCU.

President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton,  Professor George E Holmes, also came out to offer the lecturers a drink and took time to talk to them , as well as Cllr Martin McMulkin.

Union members said that that pay was not reflective of the work  being carried out, as well as very real rising cost-of-living.

Vice Chair Martin McAreavey says that it has got to the point for some where they are choosing between keeping the heating on or feeding their children.

He said: "We are here because workloads are increasing across the sector with no proportionate increase in pay.

“A lot of colleagues spend evenings, weekends, and annual leave marking students work and providing feedback.

• ALSO READ: Updates from the Teachers' Strikes

Union members taking a stance with students (Image: Newsquest)

“We can’t afford to take a pay cut when the sector has massive reserves that universities hold.”

Student Joshua Glynn came out to show his support and says that the pressure that professors are under has a direct effect on students learning.

He said: “I have seen first-hand how overworked they are and how much it’s affecting them.

“If they are under this much pressure they can’t teach if they are worrying about feeding their kids.

• ALSO READ: Bolton schools to shut as teachers go on strike over pay

“The teachers need the support and not just from us, they need government support too.”

Vice Chair of University and College Union Martin McAreavey, alongside Cllr Martin McMulkin and supporters (Image: Newsquest)

Another union member -who wished to remain anonymous – says that the decision to strike has not been made lightly.

She said: “We are going to lose a day’s pay.

“It has put people in a very difficult position.

“As a trade union member, you bite the bullet when taking strike action.”

Ultimately Martin said that he wants the Universities and Colleges Employers Association, to offer a pay reflective of their work.

He added: “The trade union want a strong university and to have a strong environment suitable for our members.

• ALSO READ: Who is on strike today? All strikes on Wednesday, February 1

“We want members to feel 100 per cent committed to their roles and education for our students.

“But we can’t do that if it is a choice between putting the heating on or feeding their children.

“And this is becoming a reality for a lot of our members.

“Students are the future of this society.”

President and vice Chancellor, Professor George E Holmes, also came out to show his support for those striking on the picket lines, as well as Cllr Martin McMulkin.

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