Durham University staff begin industrial action this week

The start of the action coincides with Trades Union Congress' (TUC) 'work your proper hours day' and will highlight the unbearably high workloads management has forced onto staff after axing hundreds of their colleagues. Working to rule includes strictly adhering to mandated hours, refusing to undertake any voluntary activities, the withdrawing of 'goodwill' and refusing to cover for absent colleagues. It will continue for six months, unless management begins meaningful negotiations over unfair workloads, with the potential for a reballot and extended mandate. 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'University management cannot expect staff to continue to pick up the work of colleagues whose jobs they have axed. Hundreds of jobs have been lost and the university is relying on the free labour of those who stay. We can't allow this to go on.'

UCU Durham president Sara L. Uckelman said: 'By working to rule, we are demonstrating that without our goodwill the university does not run. Management must now finally begin listening to its exhausted staff body and work with us to reduce workloads and stress.'