UNISON HE branches across the UK are organising protests this week to highlight the inequality in pay in higher education in the run-up to further strike action.
At the University of East Anglia, where members face a double whammy of a real terms pay cut and a rise in car park charges, the branch is highlighting the hidden costs of getting to work, as well as the squeeze on incomes.
At the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, the UNISON branch is updating members via YouTube in their search for the ‘Missing 13%’ from their pay packet, and a New Orleans-style procession is being organised to mourn the loss of salary for UNISON members at the same time that vice-chancellors have received further pay increases.
And there will be a ‘guerilla picnic’ organised at another university close to the VC’s office!
Liverpool University branch, in dispute over their terms and conditions as well as the national pay dispute, is organising an indoor rally, while Manchester University members are organising street stalls and signing of a petition to their vice-chancellor.
At Cambridge University, members are being encouraged to wear black to work on Friday, and there may even be a choir on hand to offer a song.
Many other branches are also organising signings of petitions to vice-chancellors and stalls in workplaces.
“UNISON branches are highlighting the need for fair pay in the sector,” said Donna Rowe-Merriman, senior national officer for education and children’s services. “In the current economic climate the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) describes the future for higher education as ‘sound overall’.
“In reality this means an increase in income from students, an increase in surplus with up to another £1 billion predicted for the third year running, an increase in salaries for vice-chancellors and senior managers – and more real-terms pay cuts for everyone else.
“UNISON knows that its members are worth fair pay and decent wages. Higher education is a success story in the UK economy, with world-renowned institutions providing quality education to students. UK universities are known for their high levels of student satisfaction and many are winning awards for their customer service.
“Incomes in the sector are predicted to increase further, and now is the time for UNISON members to protest and have their say. University employers need to listen to UNISON members, who want fair pay and to be rewarded for the work they do.
“UNISON members contribute to the student experience on campus by supporting students and academic colleagues in ensuring that courses run smoothly and that research and library facilities are available – sometimes 24 hours a day.
“It is the hard work of members in ICT services that is also vital in ensuring that online courses run, audio-visual equipment functions and internet access is available, and not forgetting the early morning and late night shifts of the cleaning staff that ensure that students, visitors and colleagues can come to a clean environment on campus.
“It is the support from staff in all catering and hospitality, facilities management and security that students really appreciate and value. This is often the first thing they experience when they visit a campus – even before they start their course.”
Can’t make an event in person? – no problem
We know that it will be difficult for some members to attend branch events due to timings or isolated work locations. It would be great if you can join in and show you agree with our national pay campaign, that you’re ‘Worth It’. Send us a selfie showing you at work, maybe with students, who really appreciate the contribution you make. Take your selfie on your mobile phone before you start work or during your lunch break. Let us know what sort of job you do providing the students, visitors and colleagues the services they need.
Send your pictures to us via twitter, facebook or by email to education@unison.co.uk and we can post pictures of you on our Facebook pages.
Join the conversation on Twitter @UNISONinHE.
Share the infographic Peanuts or Picasso showing how universities are spending their money whilst rising costs for members squeeze incomes to breaking point.
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Press release: higher education workers to walk out over pay
