Round up of National Strike: 6 February 2014
UNISON members took a third day of
strike action on 6 February, alongside colleagues from UCU, Unite and EIS, in
the continuing dispute with the higher education employers over their insulting
1% pay offer.
Branches and members around the UK
made a determined effort to make the third strike a successful event. UNISON’s
Higher Education twitter (@UNISONinHE) and face book accounts were inundated
with posts throughout the day with #fairpayinHE trending and we received a fair
amount of regional media coverage.
Pictures of picket lines outside universities across the UK were posted,
highlighting the support. Pickets kept busy and warm by sharing
information with members, students and the wider public.
The support of students union and the
wider community was much appreciated; with students recognising the vital roles
that UNISON members play in higher education institutions.
The
strike was in support of fair pay for all and a boost for the lowest-paid to
take home a living wage of at least £7.65 in the regions and £8.80 for those
working in London.
UNISON picket line at Herefordshire University
UNISON members are struggling to make ends meet as incomes are
squeezed. The 1% pay award that the employers have imposed on staff does not
address this and is in stark contrast to the huge pay rises that many Vice
Chancellors are receiving.
UNISON members took strike action to demand that the employers
return to negotiations, to make a decent and fair pay offer. Higher
education employees demand a decent salary, because they are 'Worth It'.
UNISON
HE Service Group Executive Chair (and Teesside joint branch Secretary) Denise
Ward
UNISON’s Higher Education Service Group Executive (HESGE)
will meet on the 26th February and the following day UNISON’s HE
Conference will take place in Brighton . The HESGE and delegates from
branches around the UK will be discussing the next steps in the pay dispute,
the 2014/15 pay claim and other key topics affecting UNISON members in higher
education.
