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Indicative ballot update

Published: 2nd March, 2021

A substantial majority of Leicester UCU members participated in the consultative ballot on industrial action, which closed on 26th February 2021. Of those that voted, an overwhelming majority said they were prepared to take both strike action and action short of a strike in order to defend livelihoods at the University of Leicester. The branch now moves with confidence towards a formal ballot, which – provided the results are replicated – will allow for legal strike action and action short of a strike.

The turnout in the consultative ballot comfortably exceeded what would be the legal threshold in an official ballot. Of those voting, 67% were prepared to take sustained industrial action, including strike action; 81% were prepared to take sustained industrial action, in the form of action short of a strike.

Given the hardships and anxieties of the pandemic, students would prefer Leicester UCU to not take all-out strike action. If there is strike action, they will support, knowing there is legitimate reason. It is preferable to avoid strike action, if possible – and this sentiment is reflected in the ballot results above. But this is a weapon if needed.