University staff in Leeds threaten walkout over pay

Cleaners, administrators, library, catering and security workers voted to strike over what they are calling a ‘ludicrously-low’ pay offer.

The workers, some of the lowest paid in the higher education sector, will walk out after rejecting a 3 per cent pay award from the University and Colleges Employers Association in May, the union says.

Staff had asked for a pay increase 2 per cent above the rate of inflation,

With inflation topping 10 per cent and further increases on the way, the award effectively represents a pay cut, the union says.

Staff in more than 20 universities across the UK will stage a series of strikes later in the year.

Employees from four universities in Scotland, one in Northern Ireland and 17 in England will take action.

Institutions in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bath, Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow will all be affected, says UNISON.

UNISON regional spokesperson, Tony Pearson, said: “Low pay has been a massive problem for the university sector for over a decade.

"Staff have become expert at stretching their pay to make ends meet. But the shock of the cost-of-living crisis has pushed many to breaking point.

“It’s always a very difficult decision to strike but staff feel they’ve been left with no choice.

“A 3 per cent pay award is nowhere near enough and the employers know it.

“This ludicrously low increase does nothing to ease the financial pressures for thousands of struggling staff.

“Managers at University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett Universities must put people before profits and pay staff proper, fair wages. If they don’t, employees will vote with their feet and leave universities for better paid, less stressful jobs.”

Meanwhile, a University of Leeds spokesperson said: “We recognise these are difficult times for everyone and are taking action where we can, including making extra payments in July of £650 to all colleagues on lower pay grades.

“We remain committed to working with our trades unions to improve employment terms and benefits and support our lowest paid staff."