GaryFoster
@Prof_GD_Foster
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Retired Prof in Molecular Plant Pathology: enjoys life voraciously: enjoys beer: enjoys family & 2 dogs even more than beer(!) L'pool FC through thick & thin
Bristol (origins Norn Iron)
Joined August 2012
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I can't believe it, I finally managed to get a publication into a scientific journal, that includes the following
~ motorbikes, rugby and nightclubbing
~ genital warts
~ Liverpool FC
~ frisbees & yo-yos
Thank you
@BS_PP
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The embargo is lifted.
Apologies to every author/editor who will now have to rewrite every science & Irish history book.
New evidence reveals that Irish Potato Famine was caused by the virus Potato virus X & not the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, rewriting science & history
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As I cleared out my office in work I just couldn’t bare to throw out the hard bound thesis produced by wonderful students over the years. So they’ve all come home with me. This is just one of the “thesis” mountains I’ve built.
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My best friend during my PhD, my drinking buddy and my rock, my best man at my wedding died on Wednesday of a heart attack when self isolating.
I need no sympathy. We were life twins and lived life to the full.
Just do me a favour and hug all your loved ones tonight.
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1. Double student numbers, no increase in staff, did I complain~NO
2. Told to lecture over lunch & to 6~NO
3. Work unpaid on numerous Saturdays for Open Days~NO
4.Dealing with TEF/REF/KEF~NO
5. When they tried to steal pensions from my younger colleagues~ did I complain~HELL YES
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I’m surprised we’ve lasted this long.
My amazing other half who has been on frontline as a doc against COVID since Feb started feeling unwell Fri. Swab test Sat, sadly a positive today. She has been PPE-ed from head to toe, there is no such thing as COVID secure.
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Dear Students
@ucu
strike a thread👇
I missed you terribly during lockdown, I hated going on strike over last few years, & the last thing I wanna do now is strike again. I love teaching you all, it has been my passion, my life. Any current or past students will testify to this
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Let’s be very very clear. Without vaccinations, the herd immunity approach is that we, as a civilised society have agreed that the weak, the old, the infirmed, as well as random healthy people die Leaving those that have been infected and survive.
How did we come to this
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Been called a militant, never been on strike in my life. My VC says it’s complex issue only he understands, spent my life analysing data! Been accused of just striking for money, I’m an old fart, my pension is safe. This is academia’s future~strike with me tomorrow
@Bristol_UCU
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Myself and my wonderful other half are still poorly but hoping that the worst is now behind us. And it was pretty darn awful
Huge thanks for everyone’s well wishes, finally getting to read them all today
Hopefully I’ll be back tweeting full speed soon
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Anyone else feel that no matter how hard they work at home, no matter how many hours you put in, it never feels like it’s enough. Is this our usual self inflicted academic guilt trip, or lack of proper structured days with a start and an end and a weekend.
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As we do everything together we might as well do COVID together. Both now +ve
As this news & complications means things have now taken a more serious turn I’ll be off twitter for a while.
Hope others will continue to hold UK HE, Bristol et al to account for poor COVID response
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If this is your first term lecturing, dont worry at all.
Lectures are like pancakes
The first one is always a bit weird.
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I start lecturing big time next week, starting with first year students, just sent them this........ 😂😂😂
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Small personal announcement
It’s gonna be announced at the uni later on today that I’m gonna retire as soon as things can be arranged.
Time for wife and life to get a bit more of me. I am only 57 after all. 😉 still very much a kid inside.
My decision. Right decision. 🧵👇
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So how you all doing with online teaching and keeping your research teams going and doing all your stupid and mostly unnecessary admin.
My doing just fine 🤔
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Whoever did this over Bristol tonight in an aeroplane we salute you 👍
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That’s it folks. Stepping back. Exhaustion, threats, abuse, become too much. Also just outta hospital with serious bug Spoke from heart, from virological & med knowledge.
Humble view was UK approach wrong day 1. View now echoed by WHO, other countries, experts smarter than me
Those of us scientists questioning UK approach are not recommending snake oil instead. We are asking for evidence. We are asking why UK approach contrasts with many countries which are working. We are asking why WHO advice is being ignored, when WHO really ARE the experts here.
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Might be an unpopular view but
This is NOT the students fault
This is NOT our uni’s SMT fault (they did ask for bail out to help prevent this but rejected, they had no real choice to open up campuses or else huge financial holes/mass redundancies)
This has been a Gov decision
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We have just got a release date for a publication from us that will shake the very foundations of plant pathology and indeed history. It’s been 10s of years in the making. Watch this space.
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As a virologist I’ve huge pride in humanity and science that enabled me to have the COVID vaccine 💉 today. I’m in an incredibly high risk grouping (long story) and got call today to rush to GP surgery as they squeezing every last possible drop out of the Pfizer vials. /1
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And in the blink of an eye it’s gone. So the council CAN remove statues when it really wants to 🤔
Jen Reid: Bristol Black Lives Matter statue being removed
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Those of us scientists questioning UK approach are not recommending snake oil instead. We are asking for evidence. We are asking why UK approach contrasts with many countries which are working. We are asking why WHO advice is being ignored, when WHO really ARE the experts here.
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Lets' be very clear, there were many of us saying right from start that herd immunity was wrong, lockdown was too late, lack of testing was wrong, the lack of mobilisation of all virology labs available was wrong. This was NOT hindsight, we have said it from the very start
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There has been times in my career when I thought I was tired. Tired getting late night results on my PhD. Tired as a postdoc with two new borns. Tired fighting thru promotions to get to Prof. But nothing and I mean nothing prepared me for this tiredness of dealing with this.
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Based on how the UK Gov is handling covid. We’ve just made an offer on this house.
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Could we get some funds together, hire the very best lawyers. And then prosecute/sue every mad NGO and so-called expert/campaigner who are against GM, safe chemicals, vaccination, global warming etc, for crimes against humanity and the endangerment of all future generations ? 🤔
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Most clear graph I’ve seen yet which perfectly summarises the current situation
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Totally agree with this in science. The UK writing big book style is so so outdated. No scientist will ever write anything similar post viva. I have viva-ed all over world and UK living in past compared to others. Should be booklet of papers or paper-style.
Who agrees.....
Big-book theses are failing PhD students: assessing doctoral candidates’ published papers instead would teach more useful skills and improve morale, says Noam Schimmel
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If you are contemplating not going on strike because 'you do not want to harm ‘your’ students, then you are letting the system 'harm you'. As one long in the tooth now, I've watched the slow decline in conditions, pay & mental health.
#UCUstrike
#USS
#UCU
Enough is Enough folks
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Tonight I’ve entered a dystopian world. Over last months I’ve watched academics move heaven & earth for students. Breaking themselves physically, mentally, emotionally. As numbers of infections rise in Bristol students & staff, I learn that the SU is lobbying for even more f2f.
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Been a bit of a topic of late, feel free to add to the list. Things academics pay out of their own pockets.
(1) large chunk of costs for any conference, travel grants etc never cover everything
(2) lab outings/socials
(3) food and drink for PhD celebrations
(4) pens. notebooks
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Hey
@BristolUni
look at this photo & zoom & look at ages of those on strike outside the LSB
@BristolBioSci
They’re young ones, being hardest hit by cuts on pay & pension AND also being hardest hit with strike pay deductions & yet they STRIKE
@Bristol_UCU
@ucu
They WILL win
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Bristol was Tier 3 week ago. Then we got moved to Tier 2. Now 1 week on it’s announced we’re going back into Tier 3.
Bath just a few miles away from Bristol remains in Tier 2 with massive movement between cities
As a virologist can I just say this is complete & utter nonsense
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To every academic I know anywhere in the whole wide world. This 👇👇
Please please. It’s been a hell of a year for all of us. 💕💕💕💕
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I know my views as a scientist and a virologist may annoy some, but....
New infections touching 8,000 R is nearly 1 and in fact rising in some parts of UK
In today’s figures there appears to be an upward tick in the 7 day rolling average
Gov has decided to realax
#lockdown
😱😡
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Well it’s near the end folks, as I had a meeting with HR today to finalise the last few details of my early retirement
HOWEVER….. I’m not retired yet. So able to vote in the
@ucu
strike ballot to help my wonderful younger colleagues
The pups 🐶 of solidarity 👍
#ucuRISING
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“A university spokesperson stated that while it is ‘regrettable’ students were not aware of Dr Walling’s passing, the use of her lectures continued to ‘honour her legacy.”
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Again I feel I need to apologise to all my followers.... I’m a virologist married to an NHS Doctor. We have insight and strong feelings about all this.
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University counselling services 'inundated by stressed academics' - BBC News .....it’s just hell for many in the system at the moment. Worst I’ve ever seen it and I’ve been around a while.
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I've been in academia nearly 31 years, and in all that time my head has never ever been able to wrap itself around the concept of teaching week numbering. Apparently it is Week 15 going into Week 16 at Bristol. Who knew....
Anyone else with me on this one
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UK academia it’s been one hell of a tough year. Strikes, poor pay, ridiculous workloads, nonstop metrics & performance management.
If this has taken a heavy toll on you, please don’t do anything “silly”. Talk to someone/anyone. Family/colleagues/complete strangers. Even DM me !
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I’m retired 🙃
Here's to the grants that we got
Cheers to the wish of some, but weren’t
'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
Of everything we've been through
Toast to the team here today
Toast to the ones that we lost on the way 👇
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I’m truly honoured, humbled and surprised that
@BS_PP
has just announced that they made me an honorary member – “a recognition of their outstanding contributions to plant pathology.”
I am even more thrilled that I am now protected. Something I’ve needed for years.
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For me, my GP wife and wonderful colleagues this has been hell. The personal toll to defend what is scientifically and morally correct has been hard. When this crap is over (if it ever is) then heads should roll
BREAKING: The entire UK strategy for fighting
#coronavirus
was based on false analysis. Scientists advising the Gov’t now say the UK only realised "in the last few days" that its Coronavirus strategy would "likely result In hundreds of thousands of deaths"
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I am going silent on here from tonight & thru weekend
I cannot find right words to express pain as I watch the disaster that is unfolding in my lovely city, across England.
My knowledge of viruses is being shredded before my eye as wrong decision after wrong decision is made
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Just finished my main lecture block to 1st years. New innovation from last year, running again tonight is Gary's Bar, where I sit & drink wine online for two hours, & all the students can drop in & ask me anything, stuff about the lectures or absolutely anything they want.
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Whatever the final outcome of the strike... I’ve made more friends & made more new colleagues over the last few weeks thru my strike twitter activity & on demos & picket lines than I’ve done in nearly 21 years at Bristol. You have all helped me a lot
@Bristol_UCU
@ucu
@BristolUni
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Authors on paper on 1st April 2021
Aprelya Durak, in Russian~April Fool
Jagaimo Jōdan de, in Japanese~potato joke
Cara & Rooster~popular varieties of potato
Foster~bored idiot cracking up in lockdown
hope didn't catch everyone out🙃
Robigus or Robigo, please forgive me🙏
The embargo is lifted.
Apologies to every author/editor who will now have to rewrite every science & Irish history book.
New evidence reveals that Irish Potato Famine was caused by the virus Potato virus X & not the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, rewriting science & history
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We are hardly into this new academic term and I am already seeing huge levels of fatigue amongst academic colleagues. It didn't used to be like this......... it shouldn't be like this
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No idea how to do this. I’m mischievous but not rebellious. But~Dear
@BristolUni
@BILTOnline
@TansyJtweets
please now withdraw my nomination for this amazing award. As it was nominated by my students who are now being persuaded by debt collectors I no longer want this nomination
I'm humbled to be nominated by our students for the INSPIRING AND INNOVATIVE TEACHING AWARD in this year's
#btas2021
@BILTOnline
However, in the past my ambition was just to get nominated each year so I could get loads of free wine at the awards event in June. No point online🙃
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Absolutely thrilled that my first children’s novel has won international children’s book of the year. Still a bit stunned as I’ve just heard today, still not sunk in yet.
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Got married to this amazing woman 28 years ago today. 6th July 1991 💕
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BREAKING: Biden signs executive order stating oomycetes are now to known as fungi
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I’m heartbroken but determined.
I’ve NEVER been on strike before. This time I am, to very end if required. Here is my open letter to my students who I care deeply about. Small text but worth a read.
#USSstrike
#ucustrikes
#saveourpensions
@EpigramPaper
@Bristol_SU
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Well that’s it folks. Just found out today that I’m now officially retired, in fact from 2 days ago but I was the last to know !! You gotta love uni systems !!
“the effective retirement date is 25 October 2022”
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Professor Foster demonstrates his Jedi powers to Sir David Attenborough ~ the force is strong in this one..... 😂
#DavidAttenborough
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Celebratory meal and drinks with better half to mark the day that o heard that I can retire on full pension early. Not many days/weeks to go now. What a journey
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So pleased
@UKRI_News
@BBSRC
@GCRF
have award £500, 000 to the truly amazing
@CONNECTED_Virus
to have EVEN MORE impact on Vector-Borne Plant Viruses
@BristolBioSci
@cabotinstitute
fantastic support from
@BristolUni
&
@rolyatlihp
@BCAI_UoB
et al
👍from me &
@neilboonham
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Is anyone else still feeling sick to their stomachs in relation to what happened to poor A-Level exam students
As someone who has worked in education all my life, working tirelessly for widening participation, I still cannot fathom how those who imposed this can sleep at night
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Well this is new one from a student in their first email to me......
"Hey G-dog,"
😱😂
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I'm in the Russell Group and I hate being described as being in the Russell Group. I work at a university same as all of you/us. No more, no less.
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A very happy 95th birthday to Sir David Attenborough. A great man who has always looked up to me
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We have deliberately infected a whole generation of UK uni students. The effects of Long COVID on our students will haunt those who allowed this for the rest of their lives.
'8 months on from when she fell ill, the 1st-year student is still experiencing symptoms at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge'
'Cambridge University did not respond to comment on what measures are in place to support students with
#LongCovid
'
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Hey
@USSEmployers
@UniversitiesUK
@AlistairJarvis
et al. Do you want to see how angry/determined we are at
@BristolUni
@Bristol_UCU
well it’s this determined. As far as the eye can see determined. A great big bunch of uni staff determined.
@DrJoGrady
@ucu
“The force is STRONG”
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Sophien Kamoun has been awarded the 2021 RKS Wood prize - BSPP - The British Society for Plant Pathology
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We just got this email. Fantastic side effect of strike
@Bristol_UCU
@ucu
also clearly shows this is NOT a lecturer strike. It is a strike for the many. So even if I did go back to work I might not get in 😂
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30 years ago tomorrow 6th July this amazing woman married me. As many of you know me I’m a right big arsehole most of the time. So how she’s put up with me for 30+ years I’ll never know. But I’m glad she has. 💕
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Statue of Henrietta Lacks 'mother of medicine' ordered for Bristol University campus
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Is it close enough to Xmas for me to start wearing my Christmas jacket yet 🤔
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It is exactly 25 years to the day since I started at
@BristolBioSci
@BristolUni
amazingly I still have the same photo as day 1 as my i.d. card.
What a whirlwind of 25 years, what unbelievable improvement in all areas of our School of Biological Sciences.
thread 👇
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Are plant virologists cursed for the rest of their lives to wander aimlessly around garden centres spotting all the virus infected plants.
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It’s that time of year for academics ie “HELL” aka exam marking time.
Below is a 🧵 with some thoughts from me as a retired old fart on what a monster this process has become and why it’s a living nightmare for academics but no one listens and it gets worse every single year.
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Academics ‘lose a week a year’ to formatting journal papers via
@timeshighered
First analysis of economic cost of manuscript formatting highlights need for more flexibility from publishers, say authors
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I’m a bloody scientist! So why the hell can’t I cut wrapping paper to fit why is it always millimetres short from meeting in middle. AND as as a scientist I have handled all sorts of tricky materials/chemicals yet why can’t I stop the bloomin sellotape from sticking to itself 😩
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Ok. So it seems Sky News have broken the embargo. So I guess it’s all now official.
This is embargoed until tomorrow. But I think it’s close enough now. I mean what can they do.
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Some day I’ll update on our experience with COVID. After nearly 4 weeks of absolute hell we both thought we were on mend, managing to sit up for a few hours a day.
Alas we’ve both had really rough weekends & nights from hell.
This bloody virus has a few tricks left yet 😡
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Anyone got an outstanding UK student still looking for a PhD has experience in molbio/micro that’s interested in working on antibiotic development on PhD opportunity of lifetime. 2 years here with us in Bristol followed by 2 years in Australia. Get them to contact me ASAP
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Our kids are now 29 and 27 years old. I’m sure they really do appreciate their parents sending them videos like this. I’m really really sure they do🙃
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“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
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Me thinking how cool and exciting it was gonna be to build a home recording studio for my lectures vs the reality
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If people ask you why you are not doing dry January, here is a good response you might find useful
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Heading into third week of strikes as determined as I was day one. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to reset the mess that HE has become.
#uss
#ucu
#UCUstrikesback
#ucustrikes
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This is NOT a lockdown
So many people, businesses and institutions looking for ways to bend and evade the rules.
This is NOT EVEN CLOSE to what is needed.
UK we are doing this to ourselves.
Why. WHY !!
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Even though it's Sunday, I'm working, have just set up my out-of-office & I-am-on-strike automated email
Also emailed amazing students I have the honour to teach with the following open letter
#UCUstrike
#UCUstrikes
#USSpension
#USS
@ucu
@Bristol_UCU
@RKJethwa
@AlistairJarvis
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