UNISON, the UK’s largest education union, today agreed to
recommend to its members a pay offer for higher education staff
worth 7.7% over two years and 12.7% for the lowest paid.
Following extensive talks, UNISON and the employers have
negotiated a two-year deal linked to a new agreement on the
modernisation of pay structures.
UNISON represents 50,000 non-academic staff from cleaners and
porters to university registrars. The deal is worth 12.7% for the
lowest paid and guarantees harmonisation of manual workers
hours by August 2005.
Christina McAnea, UNISON’s National Secretary for Education and
head union negotiator in the pay talks, said:
“This deal, although it falls short of our claim, is worth £15 per
week to our lowest paid members. The deal also gives a £550 flat
rate which means those earning up to £15,700 will get more than
3.5% this year.
“This is a serious attempt by university employers to address low
pay in the sector. It at least starts to bring higher education staff
into the 21st century. “
ENDS