UNISON is asking its members in higher education to vote ‘yes’ for strike action in a pay ballot that opens on Monday 9 September.
The union believes the employer’s pay offer just isn’t good enough. Most staff would see a pay increase of just 1.8% – well below inflation.
The ballot follows a recent consultation where over two thirds of HE members rejected the employers’ offer.
UNISON pushed hard for a decent pay rise for our members. Along with the other unions, our pay claim was for:
- a rise of RPI plus 3%, or a minimum increase of £3,349;
- £10 per hour minimum rate of pay;
- all universities to become accredited by the Living Wage Foundation;
- a 35-hour working week;
- action to close the gender and ethnicity pay gaps;
- action to reduce excessive workloads and combat stress.
But university employers won’t stump up. Their offer falls short, with the majority of HE staff being offered a rise of 1.8%, and lower-paid staff offered between 1.82% and 3.65%.
UNISON believes it’s time to stand up for decent pay and decent jobs.
Ballot papers will arrive at members’ home addresses from 9 September. If you haven’t received your ballot paper by 12 September, please call the ballot helpline on 0800 0 857857.
You can find more details of the ballot – plus a pay calculator – on our HE pay claim page.
