100,000 union members working in higher education are gearing up for a second day of strike action on Tuesday 3 December in an increasingly bitter pay row.
Workers will picket 140 universities across the country, after rejecting a meagre 1% pay offer that would condemn them to a fifth straight pay award that is below the cost of living.
Librarians, cleaners, security and IT staff will join clerical, student support and career advisers in the walk out. UNISON members will stand alongside workers from UCU, Unite and EIS, the first time all four unions have taken action together.
Evidence shows that universities have the funding available to give staff a decent increase. UNISON, which represents 30,000 members in higher education, is campaigning for the living wage to be paid to over 4,000 university employees who currently earn below the rate of £7.65 and £8.80 in London.
UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis, will stand alongside workers on picket lines in London on Tuesday, he said:
“While cash surpluses in universities have reached record highs over the past three years, total expenditure on staff salaries has declined during the same period.
“Our members see increasing investment in campus buildings and improvements to public spaces at universities around the UK, but don’t see the same investment in themselves.
“Taking strike action is always a difficult decision, especially this close to Christmas. This decision to walk out sends a clear message of how important this issue is to our hard working members who form the backbone of university life.”
ends
Notes to editors
Joint rallies with UNISON / UCU / Unite / EIS (Scotland) will include:
Brighton:
Assemble at Victoria Gardens, Grand Parade at 12.30 for a rally at 1pm. March from 1:30pm. Rally at the Holiday Inn (seafront) at 2:15pm.
Birmingham:
Rally 1pm – 2pm at John Lee Theatre, Birmingham & Midland Institute, Margaret Street, Birmingham City Centre, B3 3BS.
Cambridge:
Rally at 12 noon at Senate House.
Southampton:
Rally at 12.30pm. Students Union Piazza, Highfield Campus, University of Southampton. (SO17 1BJ. http://goo.gl/maps/0PrdU) .
Liverpool:
Rally at the CASA, Hope Street, Liverpool at 1pm. Speakers include Roger Mckenzie, UNISON Deputy General Secretary.
Edinburgh:
Rally at Bristo Square, 12 noon.
Glasgow:
Rally at Adelaides, Bath Street, 12 noon.