Inferno Averted
Oxford has escaped weeks of potential disruption after last minute talks have averted this week's planned fire brigade strikes.
The second round of strikes is still scheduled to go ahead however, starting on 6th November and lasting for eight days. A further ballot over the strike action is scheduled for early next week.
A University spokesman said "In line with other responsible institutions we are having to take measures to ensure staff and student safety during the proposed strike action. We have done everything possible to minimise the disruption caused, however safety measures may restrict the opening hours of university libraries and some departments."
Libraries will close at 7pm instead of midnight along with other university facilities, with no cleaning staff allowed inside after hours. All lab-work will have to be conducted between 8am and 6pm, and laboratories will be closed at weekends. However the Bodleian has made no preparation for protection of its precious books stacks, stating that "normal procedures" would be in place.
Individual colleges are dealing with the threat of strikes in different ways, and some colleges have even proposed cancelling bops during the strike period, because of the additional risk factor.
However most tutors polled say they will not accept the early closures of libraries as legitimate excuse for a late essay.
31st Oct 2002