Regarding the general student reaction to the recent industrial action by the University and College Union (which I wholeheartedly endorse and therefore exempt myself from the classification in this post's title, heh) Edward Hall writes in sp!ked:
This lack of solidarity within higher education was detrimental to the UCU’s quest for higher pay. The media and public seemed more concerned with the effect the action would have on graduates in the short term than with the decline in wages that has been occurring for nearly 30 years. A mix of self-importance and indifference characterised the student response to the strikes.
Article [here]