Handed in physical petition to VC - but keep the pressure up and back UCU members

(photo - Socialist Students members out yesterday with a last push for signatures on the physical version of this petition) Hello supporters, Yesterday a small delegation of us handed in a copy of the physical petition to a representative of the Vice-Chancellor. But unlike Vice-Chancellor's at Essex, Goldsmiths, Glasgow, Loughborough and a number of other institutions, Sir Alan Langlands hasn't so far come out for a return to negotiations. However, every time some signs the petition he receives yet another e-mail demanding he joins in that call. In the meantime, we're switching our main focus to offering practical support to UCU members who have been forced into striking to defend their pensions. We'll be joining the picket lines from 7.30am tomorrow and the demonstration assembling at Parkinson Steps at 11.30am. There's more info on the other strike days on our facebook event we have created, and will keep updating with info - https://www.facebook.com/events/1480687508724551/ In our opinion, the ball is still in the court of the Vice-Chancellor and others around the UK. They are the ones who can call for a return to negotiations around keeping a defined benefit pension scheme which is what UCU is asking for - we don't think that's much - so please keep sharing the petition, and join UCU members tomorrow as well. Yours Leeds Socialist Students