Surreal image of university campus under a stormy sky, with picket signs casting shadows, representing the unseen consequences of education strikes.

Education Strikes: Are Universities Paying the Price? Unveiling the Hidden Costs

Elliot Brynn in Business & Economy December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into how strikes impact student outcomes, university rankings, and the subtle yet substantial costs for employers."

Strikes, a long-standing tool for unions, have a clear impact in many industries: work stops, and production halts. But what happens when the picket lines form at educational institutions? The immediate effects aren't always as obvious. Unlike a factory, where a day of missed work translates directly into lost output, the impact of strikes on education is more nuanced and unfolds over time.

A recent study digs into the costs that strikes impose on universities, specifically focusing on the UK higher education system. From 2018 to 2022, UK universities experienced a wave of strikes, largely centered on pension disputes. The researchers analyzed data to uncover the less visible consequences of these actions, looking beyond immediate disruption to explore the long-term effects on student achievement and institutional standing.

This article examines the findings of this research, shedding light on the surprising ways strikes can impact universities – potentially creating substantial, albeit indirect, costs for these institutions.

The Unseen Costs: How Strikes Impact Student Outcomes

Surreal image of university campus under a stormy sky, with picket signs casting shadows, representing the unseen consequences of education strikes.

One of the most significant findings of the study is the decline in student-related outcomes following university strikes. Using data from the Guardian University Guide and Research Excellence Frameworks, the researchers found that strikes correlated with a noticeable dip in student satisfaction. This was measured through metrics such as student feedback on teaching quality and overall course satisfaction.

The researchers employed statistical methods like difference-in-differences and regression discontinuity to isolate the impact of strikes from other factors influencing universities. These methods compare the changes in outcomes at universities affected by strikes with those that were not, while also accounting for pre-existing differences between the institutions.

Student Satisfaction: Significant declines were observed in student satisfaction scores following strike actions.
Student Attainment: The impact on student attainment was mixed, with some evidence suggesting a negative effect, while other results were inconclusive.
Research Performance: Limited impact was found on research performance, suggesting that staff may prioritize teaching-related strike efforts.

These findings suggest that strikes can act as a lever for unions, creating pressure on university employers by impacting student perceptions and experiences. While the direct financial impact of these outcomes may be difficult to quantify, the potential long-term consequences for university reputation and student recruitment are significant.

Beyond the Picket Line: Understanding the Broader Implications

This research underscores that the impact of strikes extends beyond immediate disruptions. The study highlights the importance of considering the long-term effects on student satisfaction, university rankings, and overall institutional reputation. As universities and unions navigate future disputes, understanding these potential costs is crucial for finding resolutions that minimize the impact on students and the broader academic community.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2401.05183,

Title: Can Unions Impose Costs On Employers In Education Strikes? Evidence From Pension Disputes In Uk Universities

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec

Authors: Nils Braakmann, Barbara Eberth

Published: 10-01-2024

Everything You Need To Know

What specific student outcomes were negatively affected by university strikes, and how was this determined?

The study revealed that **Student Satisfaction** experienced a significant decline following strikes, assessed through metrics like feedback on teaching quality and overall course satisfaction. While the impact on **Student Attainment** was mixed, and **Research Performance** showed limited impact, it was the drop in satisfaction that stood out. Researchers used statistical methods, including difference-in-differences and regression discontinuity, to isolate the effects of strikes from other factors, comparing outcomes at universities with strikes to those without, while accounting for pre-existing differences between institutions.

What are the indirect financial burdens on universities stemming from strikes, as highlighted by the research?

The research emphasizes the potential long-term consequences for **university reputation** and **student recruitment**. While the direct financial impact of declining student satisfaction and potential impacts on attainment may be difficult to quantify immediately, a damaged reputation can lead to decreased enrollment, reduced funding, and a decline in rankings. This, in turn, can significantly impact the financial stability and future prospects of the universities.

How did the study analyze the impact of strikes on universities, and what were the key data sources?

The study focused on UK higher education, analyzing data from 2018 to 2022, a period marked by significant strike activity, primarily due to pension disputes. The researchers examined the less visible consequences of these actions, looking beyond immediate disruption. Data from the Guardian University Guide and Research Excellence Frameworks was used to assess outcomes like **Student Satisfaction** and **Research Performance**. Statistical methods like difference-in-differences and regression discontinuity helped isolate the effects of strikes from other influences, providing a robust analysis of the impacts.

Beyond immediate disruptions, what are the broader implications of the study's findings regarding university strikes?

The research underscores that the impact of strikes extends beyond immediate interruptions. Understanding the long-term effects on **student satisfaction**, **university rankings**, and overall **institutional reputation** is crucial. These factors influence prospective students' decisions and the university's standing in the academic community. Recognizing these potential costs is critical for universities and unions to find resolutions that minimize negative impacts on students and the academic environment.

In the context of the study, what role do unions play in affecting university outcomes during strikes, and what pressures are they able to exert?

The study suggests that strikes can act as a lever for unions, creating pressure on university employers by impacting **student perceptions** and experiences. The research indicates that by affecting **Student Satisfaction**, unions can indirectly influence the reputation of the universities. This leverage potentially compels universities to address the unions' concerns, as the decline in satisfaction could impact student recruitment and institutional standing. The study indirectly implies that unions can apply pressure by creating circumstances that potentially jeopardize the universities' future success, leading to negotiations.