But just exactly what is the strike action about?
UNISON’s higher education service group executive took the decision to take strike action over pay following the result of the industrial action ballot and discussions with other trade unions. UCU and Unite have also voted for strike action. Here are their reasons:
- UNISON’s higher education members are facing a fifth year of pay awards below the cost of living;
- real-terms pay has been cut 13%;
- student numbers are up and cash surpluses in the sector are over £1bn;
- the English higher education funding body (HEFCE) reported in March 2013 that financial results are stronger than those previously projected in June 2012 despite a fall in public funding;
- the median pay package of the highest paid staff in the sector is £242,000.
The highest paid employee in higher education receives more than £500,000 a year. So we know there is money available for those at the very top. Meanwhile over 4,000 employees are paid below the Living Wage of £7.45 an hour (£8.55 in London).
What is the threat to UNISON members?
UNISON’s low-paid members are already at the sharp end of the coalition government's welfare reforms such as the bedroom tax. And now pay is being squeezed following five years of pay rises below the cost of living. Our lowest paid members have lost between £663 and £1,173 a year with higher paid staff losing even more.What is UNISON doing in response?
We are urging all members to take strike action on 31 October 2013.What can I do?
- Join us by taking strike action on Thrusday 31st October
- Sign the petition to university leaders here - On line petition - if the link does not work, then please copy this url into your browser http://www.fairpayinhe.org.uk/
- If you are not a member - join the union today by clicking on the tab at the top of this page.
Remember
You do not have to let your manager know that you plan to take strike
action on that day but you will have to inform them afterwards that you
were on strike.
