UK's university, college union suspends strikes after 'significant progress' in pay negotiations

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) -The University and College Union (UCU) in the UK said it has suspended strikes planned for Feb. 27, 28, March 1 and 2, after “significant progress” in negotiations with employers over pay and working conditions.

In a video message, Jo Grady, UCU's general secretary, said: "We have made significant progress in our negotiations with the employers. This progress covers both our pay and pension disputes. Against that backdrop, we have jointly agreed a two-week period of calm, which will enable us to hold intensive negotiations."

She added that all actions planned after these dates are still on the table.

In January, the UCU announced that more than 70,000 staff at 150 universities across the UK would walk out for 18 days between February and March.

Tens of thousands of staff members went on strike on Feb. 9 after the UCU members rejected the latest pay offer from employers.

The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) had previously offered 4-5% raises, which is below both the unions' demand and the inflation rate.

The annual inflation rate in the UK fell to 10.1% in January from 10.5% in December, below market forecasts of 10.3%.