Further strike action will take place on Tuesday the 24th and Wednesday the 25th of March 2026 commencing at 00:00 on Tuesday.
- We will be forming a picket at the main SOAS gate closest to Russell Square.
- The picket will start early and end after lunchtime rallies each day.
- The lunchtime rallies are open to all colleagues: students, UCU and non members.
SOAS UNISON members are encouraged to join the strike by not working either on site or from home, not answering emails or taking part in any work-related activities.
Tell your colleagues about the strike action and encourage them to join UNISON and take part.
Find Strike Resources inc. Templates here
Why we strike
We are going on strike because we have been given a mandate for strike action by our members, members who voted were overwhelmingly in favour (85.5% yes) of taking strike action. This is following the insulting 2025/26 national pay offer of 1.4% given by the UCEA. This is far below the public sector average of 3.8% for the same period and is especially aggravated by the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Importantly, this pay offer falls far below both the RPI and CPI measures of inflation, representing a real terms pay cut for those working in the higher education sector. This follows on from 17 years of below inflation pay offers.
At the national level, our core demand has been set out by the Joint Higher Education Unions (JNCHES) during its negotiations with the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) in 2025. The core demand is an increase to pay by RPI + 3% or an increase or £2,500 (whichever is greater) across all spine points. This increase aims to restore pay which has been cut in real terms by up to 30% over a decade. The full claim can be viewed here: https://www.ucu.org.uk/media/14980/Joint-HE-unions-heads-of-claim-202526/pdf/250225_JNCHES_2025-26_heads_of_claim.pdf.
Financial Support
You will not be paid by SOAS for every day you are on strike, which may also affect your pension contributions. However, UNISON will provide strike pay of £50 per day which is not taxable. This can be enhanced by application to our local branch hardship fund, which is open to any member.
SOAS UCU has organised a fundraiser in solidarity with UNISON. If you, colleagues or friends and family would like to donate it can be accessed here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/soas-unison-solidarity-fund. The proceeds will be used to top up our hardship fund and support striking members.
Your Right to Strike
You do not need to tell your manager or your team in advance that you will be taking part in strike action. You are encouraged not to make alternative arrangements for the days you will be striking or make up for lost work after the strike— the purpose of this strike action is to cause disruption.
It is your right to take part in legally mandated strike action! You cannot face any detriment, disciplinary action or dismissal, for taking part in this strike if you are a UNISON member. If you are threatened by anyone with disciplinary action for taking part, please contact your UNISON representative or email the branch as soon as possible at unison@soas.ac.uk. Colleagues can join UNISON on the day of the strike and still be legally protected.
It is important for us to go on strike and show solidarity with our colleagues both locally at SOAS and at the national level. We will be joined on strike by staff at King’s College London, University of Bristol, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music.
Join your colleagues!
Please join the picket line for as long as you are able! All support is welcome and appreciated. Joining the picket line is a peaceful way to raise awareness of the action we are taking and the issues we face as workers. It is also a way for us to engage with non-striking members and encourage them not to cross the picket line and join us on strike instead.
Taking part in collective action is the best way to get management to listen to our concerns. The more of us that go on strike, the bigger the impact we can have, and more power we can hold at both a national and local level.
Looking forward to seeing you on the picket lines!