Pay and pensions issues prompt higher education strike

Staff are striking at 11 universities and higher education institutions from today (Monday) over a range of issues including pay and pensions, UNISON says. Action will take place on several days over the next fortnight at Birkbeck, SOAS, City, King’s College London, Goldsmiths (all University of London), Trinity Laban, Brighton University, Edinburgh Napier University, Gloucestershire University, Leeds University and Queen Margaret University. Staff at nine of the institutions have voted to strike over a pay offer of 1.5%. In addition, three universities will be taking industrial action on changes to their pension, the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). Staff at Goldsmiths are also in dispute over compulsory redundancy plans and potential reductions to their pay. ​ The University and College Union (UCU) is also staging a series of strikes at several universities over pay and pension issues over the coming days. UNISON head of education Mike Short 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 that employers get back round the table to make a decent and fair offer. “University staff have helped students during the pandemic, providing pastoral care, food, mental health support and so much more. “Employees have also ensured IT systems allowed education to continue remo...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: News Press release higher education pay USS Source Type: news