The University’s stance:

ASPOKESPERSON for the University told Exeposé: "We are one of over 140 higher education institutions which participate in the annual collective national pay negotiations. At the final meeting of the 2023/24 national pay negotiations last week, UCEA (Universities and Colleges Employers Association), who represent higher education employers, presented an improved pay uplift offer. If the offer is agreed, most colleagues would receive an increase of between 5 per cent and 6 per cent between now and August. Colleagues on the lowest pay grades would continue to benefit from our improved local pay rates, introduced last November, as these are higher than the national rates. The trades unions are considering how they respond to this offer. If the offer is agreed then an Exeter Lecturer who was receiving a salary of £37,474 in August 2022 would see a cumulative rise to at least £41,732 (an 11.4 per cent increase) by August 2023.

The University is committed to working in partnership with UCU to effect positive changes for the working conditions of staff and the leadership of the University and the University of Exeter branch of the University and College Union (UCU) have agreed principles and a framework to progress further University-level discussions and actions on issues relating to pay, the next valuation of the USS pension scheme, equality, workload, Fair Employment for All and governance, building on the progress which has already been made, during 2022/23 and 2023/24. The University and these contracts can “finish abruptly and leave people unemployed."

Exeposé also heard from a member of staff who was not striking, who said they fully supported the strikes, but said that they “just cannot afford to not be paid — even for a day.” They agreed with strikers that “casualisation in academia is rife,” and that many staff are on “fixed term contracts with no job security.”

“Many… have to hope and guess that there’ll be more work for them next year or next term. They have no agency and are undervalued. We are losing some of the brightest minds and best teachers because of this.” Strikers also called out the “huge gender, race and disability

UCU will use these principles and aims to seek to continually improve the working environment at the University of Exeter and at national level, through local consultations informing national negotiations."

In response to Exeter UCU's comments to Exepose that they were "disappointed" in Vice Chancellor Lisa Roberts for not meeting with them or taking a public position on these strikes, a University spokesperson said: "The University of Exeter’s Vice-Chancellor is engaged on these issues at sector level as we seek to find a resolution. Our Vice-Chancellor has held regular allstaff talks with colleagues at which these issues have been discussed. There is an all-student talk planned to take place in February and we encourage our students to attend.”

The Guild’s stance:

AGUILD spokesperson told Exeposé : "We recognise that this strike action is set to have a significant impact on a considerable number of Exeter students, and we are fully committed to representing and advocating for our students during this time. This will include representing student concerns or complaints to the University and lobbying for mitigating the implications and effects on your educational experience. We encourage both the University senior management and UCU to hold constructive meetings with the aim of reaching a resolution which will alleviate the impacts on students.

The Guild will support all students in having their voices heard. If students support the strikes, we support them in doing so and showing their solidarity. Equally, if students are not supportive of the strikes, we will amplify this view to the University.

The Guild will continue to operate as usual during the strikes, by providing our regular activities and events which we encourage students to attend. Our Advice team will also be open as normal both online and in-person."