UNISON members at nine higher education institutions are to take industrial action on the current year’s pay offer in the coming weeks, after those institutions passed the legal turnout threshold in a ballot that closed last Friday.
UNISON branches will be taking strike action alongside University and College Union branches on the imposed pay offer of 1.5% for the majority of staff.
In addition, three universities where the legal turnout threshold was reached will see members take action on detrimental changes to their pension, the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
UNISON senior national officer Ruth Levin said: “University staff have had enough of real-term pay cuts. Over the past 12 years, the value of higher education pay has declined significantly.
“With so many workers facing a cost-of-living crisis this year, it is more urgent than ever before that the employers get back round the table to make a meaningful, decent and fair offer.”
Ms Levin continued: “University support staff have ensured that students have been supported during the pandemic, providing pastoral care, food, mental health support and so much more.
“They have ensured that IT systems have enabled education to continue remotely and that vital research has continued. It’s time for them to receive the pay rise they so desperately need and deserve.
“We know that members are increasingly angry at the way that they have been disregarded – warm words of thanks won’t pay the heating bills this winter.”
The affected institutions
Birkbeck College, London – taking action on pay on 21 and 22 February, 28 February, 1 and 2 March
Brighton University – taking action on pay on 1 and 2 March
City University, London – taking action on pay on 21 and 22 February, 28 Feb, 1 and 2 March
Edinburgh Napier – taking action on pay on 28 February, 1 and 2 March
Gloucestershire University – taking action on pay on 2 March
King’s College London – taking action on pay on 2 and 3 March
Leeds University – taking action on pay on 28 February, 1 and 2 March
Leeds University – taking action on the USS on 28 February, 1 and 2 March
Queen Margaret University, Scotland -– taking action on pay on 28 February
SOAS, London – taking action on pay on 21 and 22 February, 28 February, 1 and 2 March
SOAS, London – taking action on the USSon 21 and 22 February, 28 February, 1 and 2 March
Trinity Laban, London – taking action on the USS on 2 March
