SOAS staff to strike against university plans to cut jobs, says UNISON

Catering, cleaning, security, and student support workers at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) have voted overwhelmingly to strike to save jobs, says @UNISON.

The decision is in response to SOAS’ plans to make 35 catering, cleaning, security and student support workers redundant, the union says.

Cleaning hours at the School are to be slashed because of the cost cutting plans – just as students return – creating a ticking Covid timebomb, says UNISON.

Strikes will take place next week – on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September. In addition, from next Thursday, and for the duration of the dispute, staff will also refuse to work overtime and will work to rule.

Socially distanced pickets will be stationed outside SOAS’ Russell Square campus.

UNISON SOAS branch secretary Sandy Nicoll said: “Staff and students will be hit hard by the plans. Services will be cut, livelihoods lost, and safety compromised in a misguided drive to cut costs.

“The government needs to step in and fill the funding gap. It’s perverse that hard-working staff are expected to pay the price for years of inadequate higher education support.”

Socially distanced pickets will be outside SOAS Russell Square campus at10 Thornhaugh Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0XG from 5am – 3pm on 22 and 23 September.