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Support staff at 20 universities to hold pay strike

Stirling University staff to strive over pay deductions

Over 5,000 support staff at 20 universities in England and Scotland are preparing for strike action over pay.

This coordinated walkout by cleaners and librarians will span at least two days as the new term begins.

It differs from upcoming strikes by lecturers and other university staff at 140 institutions over a separate dispute over pay and working conditions.

Unison, the union behind the support staff strike, cited its demand for a fair wage increase after years of below-inflation rises.

In England, Unison members at 16 universities will strike on Monday, October 2, and Tuesday, October 3.

However, strikes are scheduled for later in the month at four institutions in Glasgow and Dundee, Scotland.

These staff members voted against a proposed pay offer for 2023/24 ranging from five to eight percent and have opted for industrial action.

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Unison’s head of education Mike Short said: “Support staff play a crucial role helping students through university but they’ve endured years of real-terms pay cuts.

“Many can’t support themselves as prices of food, fuel and household bills continue to rise. Some are having to leave for better-paid jobs elsewhere and that risks leaving millions of students facing a worsening university experience. Universities must improve wages.”

University and College Union members will also hold a five-day walkout from Monday, September 25.

It’s over a protracted dispute over pay and working conditions.

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