The national University and Colleges Union (UCU) has notified Canterbury Christ Church University that it has invited its members to participate in strike action on the following dates

• Thursday 24 November
• Friday 25 November
• Wednesday 30 November

UCU is also asking its members to take continuous action short of a strike, from Wednesday 23 November, which means that members taking part in the strike action will be working to contracted hours and duties, and not taking on voluntary activities.

We are sorry that industrial action has been called as part of an ongoing national dispute but recognise that the decision to vote to strike is not taken lightly and respect colleagues’ right to do so.

Our priority remains the education and wellbeing of our students, and we are committed to minimising any disruption to your learning.

What does strike action mean for me?

The University will remain open on strike days with facilities and services including the Library, Student Wellbeing, i-zone and catering being available as normal.

You should attend your scheduled teaching sessions as planned, unless you are informed that it has been cancelled. We expect that the majority of staff in most departments/schools will not be taking part in the strike and in some departments/schools there will be no disruption at all.

There may be picket lines at some of the University entrances on strike days. Most University staff will be working on campus as normal and you should not be at all worried about walking past the picket line.

How will I know if my teaching is affected?

Although we are encouraging staff to let students know if teaching sessions will be cancelled, under UK law, staff do not have to tell us if they are planning to take part in strike action before doing so. So, please be aware that unfortunately you may not know until you arrive if you will be affected.

If you come to campus and your lecture or class does not take place due to strike action, you will be able to use the allocated room and the time for individual or group study, as well as other facilities such as the Library.

A range of measures will be used to make up for any cancelled teaching, and this may include rescheduling teaching where the timetable allows or providing learning materials online via Blackboard. Students who incur travel or childcare costs on a day of strike action, and all scheduled teaching that day is cancelled with no prior warning, will be reimbursed.

How to keep up to date

We have created a Frequently Asked Questions webpage for students, which covers key information and guidance, and will be updated with the latest information. Please also regularly check your University email and Blackboards for any updates from your Course team.

If you have any concerns about your learning, please do not hesitate to talk to your Personal Academic Tutor or Course team. Our Student Wellbeing Team are also always on hand if you need support.