Industrial action

This is where a trade union member does not attend work on a specific date.

At the University of Bristol, UNISON mostly represents members of staff from Professional Services, not academic or teaching staff. Not all staff are members of a trade union, and not all trade union members participate in strikes.

We fully respect the right of our union members to act where they feel strongly about issues that affect them.

The action is in relation to the 2025-26 staff pay award. We participate in a national bargaining arrangement to agree the annual pay award. Along with many other universities, we are represented by the Universities and Colleges Employers’ Association ( UCEA), which negotiates with all the unions on behalf of participating institutions.

We do not anticipate this strike action will impact teaching and assessment. This is because UNISON members are mostly from Professional Services, not academic or teaching staff. Please attend your lectures, seminars, and classes taking place as timetabled.

No. The University will remain open, including libraries and study spaces, wellbeing services and support. 

We have plans in place to ensure our services and facilities continue to operate and are accessible during any period of industrial action. However, in some specific instances, the impact of industrial action may mean that services need to:

• reduce or change their operating hours
• rearrange appointments or
• there may be some variation in delivery.

But such instances are expected to be minimal, and every effort will be made to ensure that services are accessible. 

Yes. Please attend your teaching and assessments as per your timetable.

You should complete and submit your coursework by your deadlines as usual.

It cannot be used as a valid reason to apply for exceptional circumstances. This is because we do not anticipate that this strike action will impact teaching and assessment, as UNISON members are mostly from Professional Services, not academic or teaching staff. 

However, if you feel any impact on your studies, health or wellbeing, we advise that you contact your personal tutor or Wellbeing Services.

There is no impact on your visa status as we do not anticipate this strike action will impact teaching and assessment.

On strike days, there may be a picket at some entrances to our buildings in accordance with our picketing guidelines. While picketers may ask you not to cross a picket line, they cannot stop you from entering the buildings or require you to engage in discussion with them. 

Those who wish to cross a picket line are allowed to do so.

We have plans in place to ensure our services and facilities continue to operate and are accessible during any period of industrial action. However, in some instances, the impact may mean that services need to:

• reduce or change their operating hours
• rearrange appointments or
• there may be some variation in delivery.

But such instances are expected to be minimal, and every effort will be made to ensure that services are accessible. 

Please continue to check your University email account and the digital screens on campus for updates.

Yes, you can expect to attend your graduation ceremony as planned. You may see protesters at the entrance to some buildings.

We do not anticipate this strike action will impact your teaching or assessment as UNISON members are mostly from Professional Services, not academic or teaching staff.

We are making plans to ensure you will still be able to continue to use University services, so compensation is not applicable at this time.

You may raise a complaint with respect to any impact of this industrial action.

Formal complaints will be considered in accordance with the Student Complaints Procedure. We understand that the impact of industrial action will vary between students. In reviewing your complaint, we will consider whether we have a full picture of the impact of industrial action and what appropriate measures in mitigation were put in place. We will keep you updated on the timeframe in which you should expect to receive the outcome of your complaint.  

You can also seek independent support from the SU's Academic Advice service.

Please reach out to your personal tutor or school office in the first instance. However, you may also contact our Student Services.