Sinn Féin Higher and Further Education spokesperson, Maolíosa McHugh MLA, has today voiced the party’s strong support for striking staff in the University and Colleges Union (UCU).

The West Tyrone MLA said:

“Sinn Féin stand unequivocally behind staff in Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University striking today for fairer pension contributions, and better pay and conditions.

“Academic staff in our local institutions perform a vital service for our students and are invaluable to the economic and social wellbeing of our society. It is paramount that they are valued and listened to.

“We urge Universities UK to engage with striking staff to bring this dispute to an end.

“We also call on local universities to use their influence within Universities UK to encourage meaningful negotiations in order to bring about a fair and acceptable resolution.”