UCU Hallam Branch – Strike Guidance – Before the STRIKE
Before Strike Action Starts:
Put on your “Out of Office” for the strike days
For your email out of office:
Subject: Strike Action
The strike dates are: 27-29 May; 1-5 June; 8-12 June; 15-19 June. 2026
UCU is taking industrial action on 27-29 May; 1-5 June; 8-12 June; 15-19 June. 2026 .
This is a local dispute and is about cuts to jobs, changes to pensions and working conditions.
You can find out more about the dispute here: https://ucuhallam.org/
If you require a response to your email, please re send on a non-strike day.
If you are a student, please see how to access services below:
• https://www.shu.ac.uk/myhallam/help-and-support
• email hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk
• phone on 0114 225 2222
• any Hallam Help Point across campus
Do I have to tell my employer that I am taking strike action before the strike?
It is often the case that management will send out formal-sounding letters telling you to declare in advance whether you will be taking industrial action. This can have the effect of misleading and intimidating members. To be clear, you are under NO OBLIGATION to inform anyone in advance as to whether you will be taking part in strike action. In order to fulfil legal requirements, employers have been provided with statistical information about UCU members taking industrial action, but not individual names. However, if your manager asks you after the strike whether you took action, you should answer truthfully.
What to say to non-members: the key message is - join UCU.
The stronger the Branch, the stronger our hand.
My question isn’t answered here
There is a comprehensive list of Strike FAQ’s published by the national committee.
If you have a query which is pertinent to the local context at Sheffield Hallam, please contact your local rep/officer.
