A Freedom of Information Request (FOI) has revealed just a handful of students complained to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University about the marking and assessment boycott (MAB) last academic year.
The University and College Union’s (UCU) strike action – which began on 20 April 2023 – meant that students did not receive any marks or feedback on assessment from some tutors, meaning many graduated without a degree classification.
Yet the responses to the FOIs show that there were few official complaints made by students to their respective institutions.
Only 10 students submitted formal appeals which clearly referenced industrial action in some way from the University of Manchester in the 2022/23 academic year.
Indeed, just three of those students asked for a refund on their tuition fees because of the MAB.
The MAB – classed as ‘action short of a strike’ – lasted until 6 September, when the UCU withdrew from the boycott following a consultation with the membership.
However, the union has since been on strike this current academic year, with pickets coinciding with ‘Freshers’ Week’ for many first-year students.
What a picket 😍 pic.twitter.com/of0PcJd1H9
— UMUCU (@UM_UCU) September 25, 2023
The FOI sent to Manchester Metropolitan University also yielded similar results to the response from the University of Manchester.
They recorded just four cases of students demanding a refund because of the MAB and strike action.
They reported the same figure for those who referenced industrial action in their complaints more generally, remaining just four cases.
Indeed, the number of students who demanded a refund for poor or a lack of teaching last academic year totalled just 20 cases.
The MAB has meant there are still students who studied in Manchester who have not yet received an official classification for their degree.
The UCU took this action as part of an ongoing dispute about staff pay and working conditions.
Although the MAB ended in September, members of the UCU are currently being balloted again for another round of strike action.
We need to push back hard against VCs who act like the worst gig economy employers, securing flexibility for themselves but insecurity for their staff. The impact on our sector is devastating.
— UCU (@ucu) October 25, 2023
We can fight this. Vote YES today. #ucuRISING pic.twitter.com/mFhL1974yE
The low numbers of official complaints creates a stark contrast with the more fervent action of the student rent strike earlier this year at the University of Manchester, in protest to the living conditions in university accommodation and the cost of living crisis.
They withheld rent payments until their demands – which include a 30% reduction in rent and no increases for the next three years – were met.
The demonstrations at both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University in response to the MAB were not as radical.
Feature image by Brett Jordan.
