UNISON members at Liverpool University have voted overwhelmingly to reject attacks on their pay, in a stand that could lead to significant strike action.
These key support staff provide services such as catering, cleaning and building management, which keep the university running and the students safe, the union says.
They are already amongst the lowest-paid section of the workforce, earning an average of only £14,000 per year. But the university wants to reduce their rates of pay for working weekends, nights and open days.
It is estimated that, as a result, kitchen porters will lose £1,800 every year, for example, while caterers will lose nearly £1,000 a year and the technicians that look after animals on behalf of the university will lose £1,500 a year.
“It’s a scandal and the university should be ashamed of themselves for singling out the lowest-paid workers to have their wages cut even further,” said UNISON regional organiser Maria Moss.
“And it’s a disgrace that, in a city where the mayor is taking a stand against poverty pay, its university – a high-profile local employer – chooses to attack dedicated staff who live and work here.”
Ms Moss said that UNISON members were being forced to consider industrial action.
“This is never an action we take lightly, but our members are incensed by the employer’s confrontational approach to industrial relations.
“It is unfortunate that this is bound to affect thousands of students who have paid significant amounts of money to attend Liverpool University.”