University of Liverpool staff may strike, disrupting exams

Exams at the University of Liverpool may be disrupted due to potential strikes by staff. According to the trade union Unite, over 340 professional services staff are being balloted for industrial action. This comes after the university announced that employees must work on-site at least 60% of the time starting in April 2025. Unite claims that since the end of the COVID-19 lockdown, staff have been working in a hybrid model, spending two days a week on campus. The union argues that the university management, directed by the vice chancellor, has imposed these new requirements without proper negotiation with employees. The ballot for strike action will close on April 9, with potential strikes beginning in late April. This timing could coincide with important exam periods and the university's clearing process, which begins in September. Despite these concerns, a university spokesperson stated that if the trade union achieves a mandate for strikes, they will implement measures to ensure that students are not negatively affected. The spokesperson emphasized the university's commitment to flexible working practices and the importance of face-to-face interactions for enhancing the educational experience. Unite's leadership has expressed strong disapproval of the university’s management approach. They believe the push for increased on-site work compromises employees’ work-life balance and overall well-being. The union highlighted a lack of consultation regarding these changes and stressed that any disruption during exams would be a result of the university's actions.