WORKERS at Goldsmiths University of London will commence an indefinite strike over management’s refusal to pay them for participating in industrial action, the University and College Union said today.  

The union said the imposition of 100 per cent pay deductions for participation in action short of strike is an “effective lockout” and that staff facing the “brutal deductions” will refuse to work.

UCU began a marking boycott on April 27, refusing to mark all work and assessments in a fight to protect jobs.

Management responded by threatening to dock all pay even if staff continue to complete all their other duties, according to the union.

Currently, 269 professional services staff and academics are in scope of redundancy — more than one in five of the 1,230-strong workforce.

Further academic staff cuts are also slated to start from September.

UCU Goldsmiths co-president Joe Newman said: “Our members spent the bank holiday weekend with the reality of 100 per cent pay deductions for their action short of strike and a lockout hanging over them, simply for taking lawful action to protect jobs, courses and student provision.

“That is why members have responded in the strongest possible terms.”

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Goldsmiths management is showing its true colours by refusing to pay staff who want to continue to work and support students.

“If it cares about students, it should lift this threat and begin working with us so we can resolve this dispute and allow students to learn and graduate.”

The indefinite strike action begins on Monday June 8.

A university spokesperson said they believe the deductions were “appropriate” due to the “significant impact” of strike action on students.

“We have a statutory and moral duty to ensure our students progress, including through marking and assessment,” they said.