Dear Comrades,

The Unione Sindacale di Base (an Italian grassroots generalist trade union, affiliated to the World Federation of Trade Unions) fully supports the struggle of the University and College Union for decent and fair pensions for Lecturers, Researchers and support workers.

In Italy, we face very similar problems, with austerity measures (being imposed by the European "Troika" and implemented by national governments) that have been destroying the welfare state, impoverishing workers, privatising essential public services, promoting precarious employment conditions. All these measures have also had a very detrimental effect on our University System.

Your strike is an important national and international signal of awakening against austerity (in this case promoted by the Tory government) and in defence of the role of Education in contemporary societies.

Your courage and determination in undertaking this prolonged strike action are an example for all of us.
We wish you any possible success.

In solidarity.

Unione Sindacale di Base