Industrial Action Ballot 2025

These FAQs are written by members, for members, covering the questions that have come up for us around the current industrial action ballot.

If you want to add your own question and answer, please send them to ucu@st-andrews.ac.uk

Ballot FAQs

Q) Who can vote?

All standard members can vote - this includes PGR members who are employed by the University -e.g. on teaching contracts. Members who are on long-term leave cannot vote. You can see more about membership here https://my.ucu.org.uk/app/answers/list/p/321

If you think you should have received a ballot but didn’t, you can request a replacement ballot here https://yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/wearetheuniversity-GTVO/

Q) How do I vote?

You need to return your ballot by post. The ballot paper comes with a pre-paid envelope, so just mark your ballot paper, put it in the envelope, and pop it in any post box. See here to find your nearest one https://postboxes.dracos.co.uk/#15/52.4956/-1.9073

Q) When do I vote?

You should have received your ballot by now - it’s bright pink! You need to return it, by post, before Wednesday 26th November.

Q) Why should I vote?

In order to take action, the union needs a turnout of 50% nationally. This is a rule that is specifically meant to make it harder for trade unions to take action, but it’s the law so we need to meet that threshold.

Your vote also sends a strong message to the employers, both locally and nationally, that you are unhappy with decades of below inflation pay rises, and the increasing insecurity in the sector. Nationally, the ballot is part of a call for a pay rise that reflects inflation and the cost of living, for a committment to job security and better working conditions. Locally, we are currently in negotiations on a range of issues including pay protection, hybrid working, and workload. A strong St Andrews turnout in this ballot will strengthen our negotiators position.

Q) What do I do after I vote?

Let us know! You can fill out this form https://yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/wearetheuniversity-GTVO/

Encourage others to vote!

Send us a picture of you posting your ballot for us to use in social media - email it to ucu@