For many of our members, February was the first time they had joined a picket line, and many were slightly wary. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“For me, going on strike was like taking a deep, nourishing breath of fresh air after being underwater for too long. It’s an act of authenticity, of community and of solidarity. You are reminded that you are seen, that you matter, and that your fellow workers will fight for you. And that you will fight for them too.”
– John
“It was a bit daunting joining a picket line for the first time, because I’m usually someone who spends my day in front of a computer screen with limited face to face contact. After my initial nerves subsided, I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to speak to staff (and students!) I wouldn’t usually come into contact with.
Listening to experiences of staff who’ve had to go through restructures, threat of redundancy or who are much more impacted by the below inflation pay rises, gave me a greater sense of perspective on my reasons for striking.
I really enjoyed the sense of community and was struck by how much people actually really care about their jobs and in many ways love working for the university.
Listening to other people’s experiences on the picket line helped spur me on to carry out the full three days of strike. It was also obvious that we need to be out on the street to be noticed and make the strike worthwhile.”
– Theresa
“It was lovely to feel a part of the wider community and get to know my colleagues beyond a screen. The sense of community was incredibly empowering and uplifting, despite the rain, and it was a great reminder that we are not just cogs in a machine upholding this institution, but are hardworking humans that deserve better working conditions and fair pay.
It’s the most fun I’ve had with my colleagues in a while!”
– Aniqah
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