University staff in Northern Ireland have begun five-days of strike action as the new academic term started.
At Ulster University in Belfast, picket lines were formed from early on Monday as staff took action in a long-running dispute over pay and conditions.
Students who were due to begin courses were seen leaving the York Street campus as classes were called off.
Courses at St Mary's University College and Stranmillis University College are also impacted by the five-day walkout by members of the University and College Union (UCU).
Queen's University Belfast staff are not involved in the strike action.
Strikes had been due to be held at more than 140 universities across the UK, however, dozens were called off over the weekend as agreement was reached to end “punitive” pay deductions.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'We have seen many employers do the right thing and agree to stop punitive pay deductions and some have also agreed to return what has been taken.
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"We are now urging other vice-chancellors to follow their lead and are calling off strike action at dozens of universities.
The early picketers holding the line @ucu_ulster #settlethedispute #ucurising pic.twitter.com/bwWw1lNagy
— UCU Ulster is Rising #ucuRising (@UCU_Ulster) September 25, 2023
"This will also allow our members to concentrate on winning the reballot and getting the pay and conditions they deserve.
"Renewing our mandate and keeping the pressure on is the way we will win this dispute, but the strike action due to go ahead next week stands as a reminder to all employers that if you behave egregiously, you will face further disruption."
