Following the recent vote by University and College Union (UCU) we are grateful that the De Montfort University (DMU) members voted in a way that there means there is no mandate for strike action at DMU.
We thank all members for participating in the process in whichever way they chose. It is right that members have the opportunity to vote on such action if they wish to do so.
The last two years have been incredibly hard for everyone, students and staff alike, and we want to find a way forward that supports staff but also means there is no more disruption to the education of DMU students.
With student fees at an all-time high and contact time over the last 18 months at an all-time low due to the pandemic, we would discourage any action that further perpetuates the problem.
Here at De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) we exist to represent DMU students and we work to enhance their student experience, and we recognise the vital role DMU staff play in this.
Staff are all intrinsically linked to the student experience and we want to support you, and work with you to further your cause in a way that doesn’t impact our members.
We would encourage UCU representatives to engage with the DSU Executive Officers. Your cause is linked to our aims to improve life for students at DMU and we can play an active role in challenging University management where necessary and appropriate.
As UCU looks into ways that would enable a nationwide strike, we would encourage DMU members to think about the impact this action will have on students and seek an alternative way to challenge the University, and we would like to open discussions to work together on the best way forward.