We, the undersigned, support the lecturers and QM staff that have taken the difficult decision to strike next Thursday (October 31st). Members of unions UCU, Unison and Unite will officially be taking strike action together over pay – with academic staff taking a real-terms pay cut of 13.9% since 2009. There are, however, many other reasons – such as an increase in workloads, casualization, zero-hour contracts and on-going issues of bullying and discrimination. Students have also been forced to face the increase in fees to £9000 per year which has lead to many potential candidates choosing not to enter the higher education system over fears of incurring a debt of over £50 000 when they leave university. We believe students and staff should strike back together (and not allow the Con-Dem government to use division tactics) and therefore pledge to support all staff members in their fight for fair pay. • Join lecturers and support staff on the picket lines at Queen Mary • Do not use university services or go to lectures (even if they are running) • Spread this message and encourage others to sign this letter as well as sending your own messages of support to Unite, Unison and UCU trade unions on campus