UCU Hallam Strike Action 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Sheffield Hallam University UCU members have voted decisively for strike action in response to ongoing workplace challenges:

Ballot Results

    • 87.7% of members voted for strike action

    • 93.2% for action short of strike (ASOS)

    • with a turnout of 72.6%, the highest in the Branch’s recent history

Strike Dates

Confirmed strike dates for May and June 2026:

    • 27-29 May

    • 1-5 June

    • 8-12 June

    • 15-19 June

UCU Hallam’s Demands

    1. No compulsory redundancies.

    1. Withdrawal of the proposal to move most academic staff to a wholly owned subsidiary company to create a multi-tier workforce and evade the University’s legal obligation to provide its teaching staff with the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

    1. Retention of the progression pathway from lecturer to senior lecturer.

    1. Withdrawal of proposals to increase the number of hours per week and number of weeks per year that staff are expected to teach.

Information for Students

    • If you want to support us and help settle the dispute, please email the Vice-Chancellor.

Guidance for Members

Before the Strike

    • Set up an “Out of Office” email

    • Recommended email out-of-office template provided

    • No obligation to inform management in advance of strike participation

    • Communicate with students about the strike action

During the Strike

    • There are many ways to get involved during the strike action.

Communication

    • Contact local UCU representatives for specific queries

Support the Union

Additional Resources