Thousands of university staff across the UK have announced plans to strike in the next few weeks. Some have started already and will continue into the middle of October.
University staff, including cleaners, security and library staff are walking out in a series of strikes that will hit England and Scotland universities from now until the middle of October. Some disruption is expected, but no universities are expected to close.
Why are UK university strikes happening?
University staff are striking due to unfair pay. It had been announced that workers of this kind are rejecting the planned 3% pay rise due in May. Instead, they are asking for a pay rise that more accurately reflects the cost of living crisis.
Further, the University and College Employers Association say that these workers are also the lowest paid in the higher education sector. This is after years of “below inflation awards”, something they hope the strikes will change.
Those striking are asking for a wage increase of 2% above inflation, which currently stands at 9.8% at its lowest.
UNISON head of education Mike Short spoke about the strikes saying: ‘Staff want to work in higher education. But if their highly paid university bosses don’t award them a fair pay increase, many are likely to head off for better-paid jobs in other parts of the economy.’
What UK Universities are affected?
Scotland universities affected are ones in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Though in England will be universities in Brighton, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Winchester.
Here is the list of universities and when their staff are striking:
- University of Birbeck, London: October 4
- Edinburgh Napier University: October 3 and 4
- Glasgow Caledonian University: October 3 and 4
- Kings College, London: September 27, 28 and 29
- Leeds Beckett University: October 3, 4 and 6
- Liverpool Hope University: October 4, 11 and 13
- Liverpool John Moores University: September 26 and October 4 and 11
- London South Bank University: October 4 and 5
- Manchester Metropolitan University: October 4 and 5
- Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen: October 4 and 5
- University of Glasgow: October 4 and 5
- School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London: September 26 and 27 and October 3 and 4
- University of Bristol: September 26, 27 and 28
- University of Leeds: September 28, 29 and 30 and October 3, 4 and 8