The PDA is calling on Higher Education employers to settle their dispute with their lecturer employees which has led to a marking and assessment boycott. The boycott was called by the University & College Union (UCU) after 89.9% of respondents to a strike action ballot (with 56.4% turnout of those eligible to vote) confirmed they were prepared to take action short of strike, such as boycott. The boycott began on Thursday 20 April 2023.
Many PDA student members are concerned about the impact on their education at the start of their career. They are paying university fees, with many building up student debt as a result, yet some are concerned that they may not receive the education promised. However, this is not the fault of the academics and other staff employed by universities, who students appreciate have a right to request fair pay from their employers.
Guidance issued by the UCU includes that lecturers should, “Explain clearly to your students what the marking and assessment boycott will mean, set out that UCU has given every opportunity to the employers to resolve the pay and working conditions and/or USS pensions dispute.
You should indicate that you will continue to provide general support–including for their applications for jobs, funding, or further study–and urge them to contact the vice-chancellor or principal to raise the impact of the industrial action on their studies.”
The PDA recommends to student members that they confirm with their pharmacy school/University exactly what it will mean for their studies and their progression through their course.
The PDA also expects the GPhC to be monitoring the situation, and to communicate and take any necessary action to support and reassure those students impacted.
This industrial action covers higher education institutions where the UCU is recognised to negotiate for pay, terms and conditions for lecturers and other employees. Pharmacy schools are included in the scope of the dispute, but the dispute covers the entire university. Many pharmacy lecturers are members of both UCU and the PDA.
Learn more
- Marking and Assessment Boycott (MAB) – article on UCU website
- Marking and assessment Boycott FAQ (UCU website)
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