Brighton Uni Staff Walk Out Over Pay Snub
Staff at Brighton University have hit the picket lines again in a fresh wave of strikes over lousy pay, says UNISON. The walkouts are set for Thursday 24, Friday 25, and Wednesday 30 November, hitting key university services hard.
Support Staff Demand Fair Pay Rise Amid Soaring Costs
Cleaning crews, security, catering, library workers, and administrators – many among the lowest paid in the university sector – are leading the charge. They want a fair rise to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living after years of pay failing to match inflation.
This is the second strike this term for most of the 19 institutions involved, following disruptions across England and Scotland in September and October.
Pay Rise Offer Falls Flat Against Inflation
The university support staff turned down a pitiful 3% pay rise proposed in May. With inflation sitting at a minimum of 11.1%, the pay bump is a slap in the face – barely a third of the rising living costs, leaving workers worse off, says UNISON.
Universities in Aberdeen, Brighton, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester are all affected. Staff at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music have also locked in strike dates.
UNISON Demands Universities Step Up
UNISON’s head of education Mike Short blasted the pay freeze:
“Low pay has been a massive, and growing, problem in the university sector for more than a decade. The cost of living crisis is pushing people to the brink. University support staff can’t even cover the basics. They’ve had enough and are quitting the sector for jobs on better pay.
“Going on strike is always a last resort, but the inadequate pay workers have been given this year is the final straw.
“The universities should do the right thing and come back with more money to show they care about their employees. This would help keep them in their posts so students can receive the support they need and have the best possible experience of university.”
