Timeline: the events leading up to the crisis
February 2002:
Students occupy Heslington Hall in protest against management plans to cut 24-hour portering. Management back down as a result of the occupation.
August 2006:
Management give 90 days notice of a contract change eliminating shift premiums and overtime. A number of porters refuse to work under the new conditions.
August 2006 - January 2007:
Ten porters resign or move departments as a result of the implementation of new contracts
November 2006:
90-day notice period ends. New contracts come into force despite numerous protests.
December 2006:
New rotas brought in, meaning porters now work 12-hour shifts and can be deployed to any area on campus instead of having a designated college.
January 21 2007:
Closure of Derwent, Vanbrugh and Wentworth porters’ lodges as a result of ‘unforeseeable’ staff shortages.
