We would like to remind all members that picket lines are more than just a way to gather in solidarity with like-minded colleagues — they are a statement, a form of direct action, and a means to disseminate information to other interested parties.  Southampton UCU will provide all pickets with leaflets to distribute to passers-by which summarise the current dispute; if you are picketing, please make every effort to distribute these widely.

Prior to the day of action, you may wish to explain to colleagues our reasons for taking action, and why you feel it is important to take part.  Ask them politely for their support, and if they are eligible to be a member, to pick up an application form and join us!

Remember that you may lawfully attempt to convince passers-by or workers in related industries (such as lorry drivers entering University premises, delivery services, or similar) to support us, and to not cross the picket line!  However, you must do so without making an attempt to deliberately obstruct any individual or vehicle which is attempting to cross the picket line.  You also cannot lawfully obstruct any public highway (for example, roads or paths adjacent to the employer’s property).

There are regulations which specify activities that are and are not permissible when joining a picket line during an official dispute.  DirectGov has a webpage which summarises these:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/TradeUnions/DG_10027549

All members should bear these regulations in mind when picketing.

31 October is the first payday following the changes to your USS pension when your contributions increase.

We’re currently working to contract to defend our pensions, but as the changes have been implemented against the wishes of the USS members we want to mark the occasion.

So please join us on 31 October (Halloween) to mourn the death of our old USS pension!  At lunchtime UCU will have an information stand outside the Highfield Lattes/former Staff Club. Come along to find out how the pension changes affect you.

At 5.45pm we will gather outside the Arlott Bar before marching to Guildhall Square to join our colleagues in the Trades Union Council for their open meeting, where Mark Serwotka (General Secretary of PCS) will be speaking. As this is a solemn occasion – a mourning for our lost benefits – we ask participants to wear a black armband (which we will provide) and dark clothing (if you have some).  Some of us may wear suitably grim Halloween attire, so feel free to join us in ghoulish costume if you wish.

Come along at 5 . 45 – bring friends, colleagues and supporters of the cause – to say goodbye to the benefits we worked hard for, and join the march to defend our pensions.

Check out our flyer for the Let’s Meet For Lunch Campaign. Take a look, grab a colleague, and go reclaim your lunch hour! The full flyer — with text on the back — is available in PDF format below:

Let’s Meet For Lunch