University Lecturers Announce April-May Strike Dates Across UK

Graduate student workers at the University of Rochester have announced plans to strike on April 21, after a 90% vote in favor of the action, demanding an election to unionize for better stipends, health benefits, and parental support. The UR administration has stated that entering a private election agreement is unprecedented and maintains that strikes are not the best means to resolve the dispute. Meanwhile, lecturers at Robert Gordon University (RGU) are also set to strike, with initial action scheduled for April 15, due to concerns over job cuts and redundancies affecting 135 positions. The EIS union, representing RGU staff, reported that 83% of voting members supported the strike, citing a need to oppose compulsory redundancies. RGU's administration expressed disappointment over the decision to strike, asserting that redundancies are necessary for the university's financial sustainability. Both situations reflect wider tensions in the academic sector regarding labor rights and institutional financial pressures.