You might have noticed – or might even be participating in – the strikes across UK universities that begin today.

We don’t have it here, since the local branch narrowly failed to secure the necessary turnout, but those that did vote very strongly supported strike action (as did nearly every branch across the UK).

You can read about the strike action on the UCU website, including the particulars of the disputes on pay and on pensions. You might also find something on the employers’ website, although it’s competing with all the other things that universities are juggling right now.

Do take the time to read about this, not simply because it’s important to me and my colleagues, but because it’s part of a bigger picture of the changing social and economic organisation of the country. The pension scheme involved is one of the biggest in the UK and the decisions made about it will likely shape every other scheme.