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UCU Westminster

@ucuwestminster.bsky.social
226 followers 197 following 83 posts

We are the trade union for academic and academic-related staff at University of Westminster. Find us on Instagram at @ucuwestminster.

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Natacha @natacha.bsky.social · 2h
I’m on strike to protect Goldsmiths from a management that in my opinion appears intent on destroying a unique institution. They claimed there is a deficit that needs redundancies, but Novara is reporting there has been no deficit in the last 5 years.
I've now been on strike for 130 days. Part of the longest university strike in history.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
In 2012-13, there were 51 UK universities offering Russian and East European Studies. In 2024-25, there were 32, and provision is shrinking further. Perhaps that's a serious security risk? www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/policy-and-r...
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UCU Edinburgh @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Day 11 of the UCU workers' strike at the University of Edinburgh, over deteriorating conditions for staff and a resulting deterioration of educational conditions for students. All of this, while senior management awards itself with ever bigger pay increases. This is a scandal.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Every passing moment, it becomes clearer and clearer how much our management is failing us- our staff, our students, our community, the university as a whole.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
'De Montfort University has become the latest institution to plan to hire a portion of its staff through a subsidiary firm.' Voluntary severance scheme until 21 October with decision in December (that's very fast). Shortfall in student numbers blamed.
timeshighereducation.com
De Montfort to open subsidiary firm and revise academic structure
Leicester-based university starts severance scheme, saying student recruitment shortfall means it has to make savings
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Defend Our Juries @defendourjuries.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
BREAKING Professor Peter Hallward has just been arrested on the National March for Palestine for holding a banner with a factually accurate legal statement on it. “In the UK it’s a crime to say I support Palestine Action” Help end the absurdity: www.wedonotcomply.org
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University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 07/10/2026
Goldsmiths has spent £14m on consultants since 2019. Now it's replacing striking lecturers with staff who need only "an interest in teaching". Joe Newman, Goldsmiths UCU co-president, on management's strike-breaking. 📰 @novaramedia.com
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
UCU Scotland @ucuscotland.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
University of Glasgow UCU opens strike ballot over cuts #SaveHE #StopTheCuts www.timeshighereducation.com/news/univers...
timeshighereducation.com
University of Glasgow UCU opens strike ballot over cuts
Union calls on institution to rule out compulsory redundancies as fears grow over state of Scottish sector
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
To all casualised academics and PGRs: Please sign this statement against strike-breaking work to support @goldsmithsucu.bsky.social in their strike action! They are in week 16 of an indefinite strike, hoping to save 100s of academic jobs: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
Why we are refusing strike-breaking work at Goldsmiths this term: A commitment from casualised academics
This form is for signing this statement: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qMa2Sho8eqkRNm44gNW0L8mUT6Mhe01tlVD8hAiOSk8/edit?usp=sharing Please sign if you are a casualised academic or Research Stud...
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 06/10/2026
Huge result from our members at the University of Lincoln. 85% have voted YES to strike action in the fight to save jobs, on a 60% turnout, with 88% also backing action short of a strike. Massive solidarity to everyone at Lincoln UCU. www.ucu.org.uk/article/1467...
ucu.org.uk
University of Lincoln staff vote for strike action in fight against job cuts
Staff at the University of Lincoln have voted in favour of industrial action in a row over job cuts, the University and College Union announced today.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
With two days of strike action under our belts, we now begin over two months of continuous in response to our university's gross financial negligence. Shout out to Notts Solidarity Group for the slides! And @tregenza.bsky.social for the original photos.
67 days of industrial action against course closures and job lossesWhy are staff striking?

The University of Nottingham identified a  £30 million deficit after wasting £80 million pounds on consultants and vanity projects such as the
 ‘Castle Meadow’ Campus, which is now unsellable. 

 Over 3900 staff received notice of risk of redundancy, with 258 administrative
 / professional services roles to be made redundant.

UCU argues that there is now no financial justification for compulsory redundancies. 

 Student recruitment has been strong, voluntary redundancy has increased, staff have submitted extensive alternative proposals capable of delivering further savings and the university itself is saying it now has a surplus. 

Management have refused to rule out further compulsary redundancies and are intent on making students and staff pay for their mistakes by closing courses vital for the East Midlands.When are staff striking?

Staff at the University of Nottingham Started striking on 30th September and 1st October, as the University’s governing Council met to finalize restructuring plans.

The two-day strike is now followed         by sustained strike           Action from 5th October TO              11th December.

Support the UCU: email the vice chancellor to tell her what you think of her plans. and Please consider making a donation if you are able. The Local Branch Hardship Fund is maintained to help strikers who will suffer significant hardship from loss of pay due to striking.No More Course Cuts
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Chris Havergal @chrishavergal.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
University of Nottingham confirms it will close its music and languages departments as it presses ahead with more than 500 job cuts despite widespread opposition from staff and students www.timeshighereducation.com/news/notting... via @julietterowsell.bsky.social
timeshighereducation.com
Nottingham confirms course closures with hundreds of jobs affected
Languages and music departments to close despite strikes and protests but university insists it has addressed staff concerns in revised plans
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Onni Gust @onnigust.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
41% staffing cuts in the Faculty of Arts at UoN. We're entering a wilderness of creativity and critical thinking.
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Birmingham UCU @birminghamucu.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
UCU Birmingham is calling for the University's new Redeployment Policy to explicitly include health, safety and wellbeing safeguards. Redeployment can significantly affect workload, role clarity, support and psychosocial risk. 1/2
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University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 05/10/2026
UCU members at Edinburgh uni are on strike today. Over 400 film and TV professionals, including Alan Cumming, Hugh Bonneville and Michelle Dockery, back their call to reinstate three creative programmes. Cuts are hitting universities across the UK: educationitsours.org.uk/map/
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Lincoln Branch of UCU @uculincolnbranch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
UCU members at the University of Lincoln have voted overwhelmingly to tell University managers - no more compulsory redundancies or face industrial action. A huge mandate to protect jobs, protect our programmes and support out students! @ucu.org.uk
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 02/10/2026
"Students know whose fault this is." Students turned out alongside staff at the University of Nottingham, with a clear message to management: stop the cuts and listen. "We aren't going anywhere." Staff and students are united.
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University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
What a gorgeous day to stand in solidarity with your community. Thank you all for standing with us and showing this university what courage and determination looks like. Here's to our strength as the fight continues. But more importantly, here's to us winning. Solidarity, UoNUCU
A photo of the crowd at today's rally
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Birmingham UCU @birminghamucu.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Birmingham UCU members have unanimously passed a “Red Lines Crossed” motion over compulsory redundancies and concerns about procedure, equality and staff wellbeing. The branch is calling for an independent examination of the Translation and Interpreting closure and a pause to redundancy panels.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Birmingham UCU @birminghamucu.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Five colleagues face redundancy following the decision to close two Translation and Interpreting MAs at the UoB. Birmingham UCU is asking for an independent examination of the decision and selection process, and for redundancy panels to be paused. Please read and share the branch’s update.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 29/09/2026
Our members at the University of Nottingham begin strike action tomorrow over devastating job and course cuts. They will walk out tomorrow and Thursday, before beginning sustained strike action from 5 October. Share, like and comment to show your solidarity with our members.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 28/09/2026
Our members at the University of Nottingham will strike this Wednesday and Thursday in their fight against compulsory redundancies and course cuts. Show your solidarity as they head onto picket lines, ahead of sustained strike action from 5 October to 11 December. www.ucu.org.uk/article/1466...
ucu.org.uk
University of Nottingham staff to strike for three months from October in redundancy fight
Staff at the University of Nottingham will strike on Wednesday 30 September and Thursday 1 October, and then solid strike action from 5th October until 11 December in a row over jobs and course cuts, ...
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
UCU Edinburgh @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Day 1 of the strike by the workers of UCU Edinburgh against the manufactured deficit (which is not really a deficit), and against a senior management earning millions while staff disappear and education suffers. Solidarity against this parasitical form of management of our higher education.
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University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 28/09/2026
Our members at Edinburgh University commence a 5 week strike today over crippling job cuts. Please show them solidarity as they head onto picket lines this morning.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Dundee University is continuing with compulsory redundancies. It argues this is required for the financial survival. However, the University’s cash is so high they may not qualify for £27m of the £40m additional SFC funding. The SFC have asked PWC to investigate. www.theferret.scot/dundee-unive...
theferret.scot
Dundee university might have too much cash to qualify for its taxpayer bailout
The university has continued to argue staff cuts are needed to make ends meet. But a growing cash balance has raised questions about the need for more redundancies, and whether it qualifies for millio...
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Strike action begins this week! Wednesday: meet on the steps outside Portland at noon to collect and then distribute flyers. Thursday: picket from 8:30-11:30 on University Park's West Entrance and then walk to a 12 PM Rally at Trent's South Entrance. See you there and solidarity.
JOIN US ON THE PICKET LINE

Thursday 1st October

Picket: 8:30-11:30 AM, University Park, West Entrance

Rally: 12 PM, Trent Building, South Entrance

UONUCU
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University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 28/09/2026
“People are struggling in their day-to-day lives. So we need to think about where the money is going.” @faizashaheen.bsky.social on why we need to challenge the push for higher defence spending and demand investment in education and public services instead.
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Priyamvada Gopal @priyamvadagopal.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Solidarity with all our striking colleagues at Edinburgh facing down a managerial massacre of courses and jobs. An injury to them is absolutely and inevitably an injury to us all. This is not going to stop here.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/education/20... Our branch chair gave a quote for this, which was …. Not fully printed so just to say, the full quote was:
theguardian.com
Backlash as Indian oil heir made professor of sustainability by Newcastle University
Role for Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest person, who also runs a controversial mega-zoo, met with incredulity
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Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Day4 of 25. The sun is out and we need everyone to come and join us today on the picket line. If you’re in Dundee and well, get yourself down to the front of the Tower!
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Our massive strike action for the fall begins on Wednesday, but we will be facing some intense financial hardship to do so. Please consider supporting our members by donating to our solidarity fund. www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...
justgiving.com
Help raise £10000 to support the Nottingham UCU hardship fund – JustGiving Crowdfunding
Iʼm raising money to support the Nottingham UCU hardship fund. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
QMUL made it into the news...again. Instead of investing in a sustainable future that centres the experiences of students and the working conditions of its staff, management, according to The Tab, spent £4,820,000 on restructuring, (1/2)
QMUL in the NewsQMUL spent 
£4,820,000
in 2024/25 on restructuring
instead of investing in a sustainable future of the institution and ranks 19th amongst Britain’s universities. picture of the newspaper article stating "The UK universities which spent the most money on 'restructuring' and cutting staff's jobs"
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covucu.bsky.social @covucu.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Coventry University Group opens its second campus in Kazakhstan Meanwhile in Coventry: redundancies, restructures and research centre closures. Expanding into a country with serious restrictions on independent trade unions while weakening union rights at home? Now that’s a global strategy.
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Birmingham UCU @birminghamucu.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The HSE is back at UoB on 28 Sept to check on the Uni's progress after being found in material breach of the law last year. BUCU will raise concerns about stress, workload and whether risk assessments are leading to action. If stress is affecting you, speak to your dept rep or safety officer.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
'Talks in an ongoing dispute over planned job cuts at the University of Aberdeen have broken down after a senior trade union official was dismissed, BBC Scotland has learned.'
bbc.co.uk
Aberdeen University job cuts talks break down after union official dismissal
A £10m savings plan - which could see more than 100 jobs lost - was agreed earlier this year.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Andrew Defty @adefty.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
University of Lincoln has disposed of over 500 staff since 2024. As we start a new academic year management have refused to rule out further compulsory redundancies. @uculincolnbranch.bsky.social is balloting its members on their willingness to take industrial action. If this is you please vote.
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
'student representatives have described the proposal as “tone-deaf”, highlighting that two-thirds of undergraduates are now in term-time employment and describing an expectation for them to take on additional labour as “absolutely ridiculous”.'
timeshighereducation.com
Paid employment ‘biggest barrier’ to rolling out work placements
Survey comes after vice-chancellors said they wanted every undergraduate in England to undertake work experience as part of their degree
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
UCU Scotland @ucuscotland.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
University of Dundee urged to rule out compulsory job losses as strike begins #StopTheCuts #SaveHE www.scotsman.com/education/un...
scotsman.com
University of Dundee urged to rule out compulsory job losses as strike begins
Staff are due to walk out until October 23
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
'LSBU is far from alone in its desire to drive research academics into teaching-only roles. Similar plans have been explored by the University of Brighton and Sheffield Hallam University, among others, with the latter’s decision rolled back after a major public backlash.'
timeshighereducation.com
Have teaching-only contracts created a two-tier workforce?
The past decade has seen a dramatic rise in teaching-only roles in the UK, particularly outside the sciences. But does that amount to a welcome focus on education or a cost-saving wheeze that constric...
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Goldsmiths UCU @goldsmithsucu.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
1/8 Now in our 15th week of indefinite strike action against the next phase of staff cuts, we are calling for urgent fundraising support from across UCU and all trade unions to help us through one of the longest and most difficult disputes in our branch's history. opencollective.com/goldsmithsmu...
opencollective.com
goldsmiths mutual aid - Open Collective
Provide hardship funds to precariously employed staff at Goldsmiths whose employment has been cut or changed as a result of Covid-19 or restructures and who may be further impacted by strike deductions during GUCU industrial action
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Charlotte Lydia Riley @lottelydia.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
“Don’t bring a union rep” is one of those sentences that always means your employer is going you treat you with respect and dignity
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University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 18/09/2026
The University of Edinburgh is a world-class institution and our members are determined to protect it. With an estimated 1,800 jobs at risk, staff are ready to strike for 25 days to defend jobs and the future of the university. Management can end this dispute: rule out compulsory redundancies.
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Reposted by UCU Westminster
Felicity Callard @felicitycallard.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The brutal reality of universities' suppression of wages (in KPMG's report for DfE on cost of undergraduate provision in England) assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aabfa...
Table 1 – Cost increases since the last study by cost type
Actual % increase
between 2016-17 and
2019 study cost groupings
2023-24 weighted
average unit cost
Staff costs 14%
Non-pay costs 46%
Indirect departmental costs -24%
Centrally allocated indirect costs 29%
Estates costs 40%
Sustainability adjustment -2%

Source: Analysis of Data Returns
Table 1 shows that costs have not increased equally in the time between the two costing studies. Non-pay costs have increased slightly ahead of inflation and estates costs have increased in line with inflation. Universities have managed staff costs significantly below inflation, increasing only by 14% compared to the 41.2% increase in RPIX. By contrast, indirect departmental costs have reduced by 24%, but this may be due to differences in the universities participating in the 2019 and this study. The movement in MSI is reflective of changes in financial performance rather than any inflationary impact.
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
'The strike action, planned for 22 September, marks the first time staff have organised to walk out in The Lancet’s 200-year history. The Lancet Group, now owned by the Elsevier publishing conglomerate, comprises 29 monthly specialty titles, in addition to the flagship weekly medical journal'.
timeshighereducation.com
Staff at prestigious medical journal set to strike over pay
For the first time in The Lancet’s 200-year history, union members plan to strike over “unacceptable” pay offer
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Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
We are taking 25 days of strike action starting on Monday. We want the University of Executive Group rule out compulsory redundancies. To our students - this is a last resort to retain jobs that are essential for your education during your degree at the University of Dundee. Support the strike!
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University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 16/09/2026
Union rights are not optional. Yesterday, TUC delegates joined UCU members at our University of Brighton rally to oppose management’s plans to rip up the recognition agreement. We negotiate to protect workers’ rights. We stand together to defend them.
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Plashing Vole @plashingvole.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Got the formal notification of my half-sacking. Apparently congratulations are due!
'Your appointment is subject to a variation to your contractual terms and conditions. Your substantive contractual hours will reduce from 1.0FTE to 0.5 FTE, equivalent to 18.5 hours per week effective from 1st October 2026Once again thank you for your valuable contribution throughout this process and congratulations on your successful appointment to your new role.
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Elinor Taylor @elinormtaylor.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Apart from everything else, this is such a massive ‘fuck you’ to incoming students from management. ‘Hello, we’ve decided to spend the next year fighting our entire staff over basic employment issues. Enjoy your course!’
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QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Workers at the University of Hull are facing another round of voluntary redundancies while management threatens further measures over a decrease in international students. Check out our #UKHEShrinking page to get an idea of the grave developments in the sector: qmucu.org/qmul-transfo...
qmucu.org
UK HE shrinking - QMUCU
a live page of all the redundancies and restructures happening across UK Higher Education. Page is updated regularly.
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Dr Andrew McInnes @drbeard79.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This list of things the University of Brighton has de-recognised is insane 🤯🤯🤯
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