UCU strike poster pinned to a bus outside Goldsmiths, University of London. Image: Rosie Lumley

Striking University College Union members at Goldsmiths, University of London are being supported by leading politicians and journalists.

Lecturers are taking industrial action to protect their pensions and have planned a series of ‘Teach Outs’ for students backing their protest.

‘Teach Outs’ are shorts talks from a selection of high profile figures in journalism, political activism and academia.

The first day of the strike saw a crowded picket line of lecturers, students and supporters gathering outside the university’s Richard Hoggart Main Building.

Stay strong and we will win! pic.twitter.com/iARFXDS6rC

— Goldsmiths UCU (@GoldsmithsUCU) February 22, 2018

While Labour’s Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, John McDonnell, demonstrated his support with a surprise visit:

John McDonnell ‘We are here in solidarity’ #strikeforuss#pensions#highered#HigherEducation@johnmcdonnellMPpic.twitter.com/ZcgAfPFo7W

— Goldsmiths UCU (@GoldsmithsUCU) February 22, 2018

Solidarity from John McDonnell on the Goldsmiths picket line #ucustrike @lexytopping @GoldsmithsUCU pic.twitter.com/iyIBs3Mt0q

— Kate Morris (@KateMorrisGold) February 22, 2018

The Guardian journalist, Gary Younge, also spoke in support and said no change comes without forward momentum.

Journalist and political activist, Owen Jones, called for action and discussed what he described as the ‘Politics of Hope.’

He also condemned wider cuts made by the government.

Owen Jones Teach Out talk at Goldsmiths 23/02/2018 from Londonmultimedianews on Vimeo.

Events like this are taking place on university campuses across the country as the strike continues into its second week between Monday 26th and Wednesday 28th February.

A meeting between UCU and Universities UK intended to resolve the dispute is expected to take place on Tuesday 27th February.