‘Carnival’ atmosphere expected at City University during strike

Staff at City University London will attempt to create a “carnival” atmosphere tomorrow whilst striking over pay.

Lecturers, administrators, library, technical support and security staff will be taking part in a “teach out” in Northampton Square and will also be holding presentations and performing music during the University and College Union (UCU), Unite and Unison walkout.

Union members hope that these “novel events” will help to inform all students and non-striking staff about the reasons for the spate of national industrial action in recent months and gain support.

Topics will include the sell off of student loan debt and the links between universities and the arms trade.

Students will also be encouraged to take part in a competition based on popular TV show “Play Your Cards Right” called “Pay your Staff Right”.

Union members across the country are striking in response to a 13 per cent real terms cut in Higher Education salaries over the last five years.

Pickets from three unions will be outside the main University entrances in Northampton Square and St John Street from 8am with the “teach out” starting at 11am.

Keith Simpson, President of City UCU said: ”We intend Thursday to be a day when we reach out to students to show them our commitment to their education. Fighting for decent wages for staff is all part of providing a first rate education for our students.”