UCU Members took strike action in
Aberystwyth on 30th November, picketing four entrances to Penglais
Campus and Old College. We saw an enthusiastic turnout from members on the
day—starting slowly in the cold, dark morning, but gathering more members as
the morning grew lighter. We were especially encouraged by passing support from
the public, which this time included a number of vehicles displaying posters
from other unions, such as UNISON. We heard early that council offices, Welsh
Assembly, the National Library, the police station and Bronglais Hospital all
had quite a few of their respective union members picketing their entrances.
At the university entrances more
leaflets were handed out than on previous campaigns with a lot of people not
only stopping to take the leaflets, but also to offer comments and support for
the action. We were also joined by the Guild of Students during the morning who
offered strong support for UCU action, also encouraging students to join in the
action on the day. By 11am large numbers of people from the different unions
began walking to the top of Penglais Hill to gather for a march into and
through Aberystwyth town centre.
The march slowly progressed down
the hill fronted by a samba drumming band, gradually snowballing as it went.
People from picket lines at the university, National Library and Bronglais
Hospital all joined the march as it passed, to be met by another large group of
people from Council Offices, Welsh Assembly Government, police auxiliary
workers and other public sector bodies as it arrived in the town. The march
through town saw a great deal of public support with shop staff standing in
doorways waving and offering support. This was a near universal response in a small,
non-industrial university town that depends very heavily on public sector jobs;
not only for those who work in the public sector, but also for the private
sector that depends on custom from the public sector and students for their own
livelihood.
There is also a report and photo by The Cambrian News at:
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