UNISON’s higher education service group yesterday voted unanimously to reject the full and final pay offer made by UCEA, the national higher education employers’ organisation.
The committee was clear that the offer of 1.1% for most staff, with the removal of the bottom pay point from the national pay scale and tapered increases from 3.1% on point 2 to 1.6% point 7, was not enough.
UNISON national officer Ruth Levin, said: “The employers’ offer of 1.1% for the vast majority of our members is a pittance. We know that the money is out there in universities and that they can afford to give their staff a decent and fair wage increase this year.
“Over the past five years our members’ real term take home pay has plummeted. This year’s offer doesn’t keep up with RPI and will only compound matters.”
UNISON has written to UCEA calling on them to begin the national dispute resolution procedure. This will be followed by a consultation of branches, with a recommendation that members reject the offer and move to an industrial action ballot.
