UK art school staff strike over pay and contracts
On February 20, 2020, over 800 workers from art schools throughout the UK began a two-week strike. They raised issues about fixed-term and zero-hours contracts, unequal pay, and rising workloads, alongside gender and ethnic pay discrepancies. This action involved both lecturers and support staff from institutions like the Royal College of Art and the Glasgow School of Art. According to the University and College Union (UCU), 37,000 educators are on fixed-term contracts, and another 71,000 are considered 'atypical academics' with unstable job situations. Real wages have dropped by 17% in the last decade, particularly affecting women and staff from ethnic minorities. The strike will last until March 13 and coincides with similar protests at 70 other UK universities.
Key facts
- Over 800 workers at UK art schools began a strike on 20 February 2020
- The strike lasts fourteen non-consecutive days through 13 March
- Institutions involved include Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, Goldsmith’s, The Bartlett, Slade School of Fine Art, and Glasgow School of Art
- Issues include fixed-term and zero-hours contracts, pay, gender and ethnicity pay gaps, and rising workloads
- 37,000 UK teaching staff are on fixed-term contracts, and 71,000 are 'atypical academics' on precarious contracts
- Pay has fallen 17 percent in real terms over the past decade
- Women and black and minority ethnic staff are routinely paid less, with all staff averaging over 50 hours per week
- The strike is part of actions at 70 other UK universities
Entities
Institutions
- Royal College of Art
- University of the Arts London
- Goldsmith’s
- The Bartlett
- Slade School of Fine Art
- Glasgow School of Art
- University and College Union (UCU)
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Glasgow
- Scotland