UK strikes: what next for the negotiations?

Institutions will see strikes unless employers give ground, but Chris Parr thinks this is unlikely

There has been a typically confrontational response from employers to the University and College Union’s announcement of imminent strike action over pensions reform, pay and conditions. But does that mean negotiations between universities and staff representatives are dead in the water?

The UCU announced at about 4pm yesterday (16 November) that 58 UK institutions would see strike action from 1 to 3 December this year—the latest flashpoint in the ongoing battle over pensions and pay.