That mixed verdict sums up the feelings of many academics, technicians, and academic-related staff who have fought a fourteen-day strike at over sixty British universities to defend their pensions.

Universities UK (UUK), the representative body for British university managers, offered an initial deal to the University and College Union (UCU) on March 12. The strikers rejected it. No capitulation, they cried — and then mobilized to ensure their union did not capitulate.

On March 23, UUK offered a second deal. It’s too early to say whether enough UCU members will accept the new deal, which they will vote on next week. But it isn’t too early to think about what the consequences of acceptance or rejection might be — or to think about what could and should happen next if victory is ours, and is seen to be ours.