Monday 21-11-2022 - 14:12

Next week Durham SU will hold a vote for all students to have their say on the Students’ Union position on industrial actions. Last week four proposed positions were shared with students for consultation, and the final positions are now proposed below.  
 

Which of these statements best reflects your view on industrial action on campus? 

1. I oppose all industrial action 

2. I support working to contract, but oppose strikes and marking and assessment boycotts 

3. I support working to contract and strikes, but oppose marking and assessment boycotts 

4. I support all industrial action 
    

Why are we holding a referendum? 

Industrial action on campus impacts all students - undergraduate, postgraduate, taught and research - and there are clearly different views and competing interests on the matter. The Durham SU Board of Trustees has therefore called a preferendum. It's right that the entire student body resolve this question, democratically.  

What we heard in consultation: 

Thank you to all students who provided feedback on the position for students to vote on. We’ve sought to make the positions clearer, based on your feedback. Some feedback we received voiced the opinion we shouldn't consult students directly on this matter, but we don't agree.  89% of Durham students told us in independent research that they wanted to vote directly on all policy ideas and we respect our members. This is one of the biggest issues impacting all students this year, and we think giving students the opportunity to vote on it is in line with what we’ve heard they want.  

Campaigning: 

If you have a strong opinion on how students should vote in the referendum, then we’d encourage you to organise and campaign for that position. Please let us know if you want to lead or be part of a campaign for a position by emailing su.elections@durham.ac.uk.  
 

Key Dates 

• 21 November: campaigning starts. If you'd like to lead or volunteer with a campaign, then let us know, email: su.elections@durham.ac.uk 

• 28 November: voting opens 

• 5 December: voting closes, and the result declared 
   

You can find more information about the referendum here. 

Article updated 01/12/22 to edit the closing date of voting.