UNISON members in higher education are to be balloted on whether they wish to take strike action over their employers’ pay offer, which would see most staff receive a 1.1% increase.
The union’s higher education service group executive will be calling on members to reject the offer and take strike action to get the employers to improve it.
This follows the results of a consultation with members in which more than two thirds of those who responded voted to reject the offer.
UNISON will call on the employers to return to the negotiating table and make an improved offer that would prevent a strike and the inevitable disruption to universities and students at the start of the autumn term.
“Universities have been making billions in surpluses and rewarding their senior leaders, while UNISON members have seen their pay drop in real terms over the last few years,” said national secretary Jon Richards.
“Staff deserve to receive fair pay for delivering world-class services to students – compare the 1.1% offer for most staff with the average increase of 6.1% for vice chancellors last year.
“Staff see massive investment in buildings and rapid increases in student numbers, filling the university coffers, while they see job cuts, diminished terms and conditions and depressed pay.
“UNISON members think enough is enough and it is time that the rewards are shared with all.”
The ballot will take place during the summer and UNISON will be calling on members to join the campaign to seek a fair pay deal for all.
