Low-paid employees at Leeds Beckett University will walk out today (Tuesday) in a row about pay, says UNISON.
The workers – including those in administrative, cleaning, library, security and catering services – will continue their strike tomorrow and Thursday after rejecting a 3% pay award from the University and Colleges Employers Association.
UNISON had called for an increase of 2% above the rate of inflation, currently running at 9.9%.
With further rises in the cost of living expected, the award effectively amounts to a pay cut, the union says.
Rising prices mean household budgets are stretched to the limit and the employer must make a significant improvement to the offer, says UNISON.
Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Neelam Bhambra said: “Low pay has been a massive, and growing, problem in the university sector for a decade and more.
“But the cost of living crisis is pushing people to the brink. They can’t even cover the basics.
“Going on strike is always a last resort. The university should do the right thing and come back with a better offer to show it cares about its staff, as well as ensuring students receive the support they need and deserve.”
Notes to editors
– Staff at the University of Leeds will also strike today (Tuesday) and on Saturday (8 October) in a similar dispute over pay.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Neelam Bhambra E: n.bhambra@unison.co.uk M: 07908 124592
The article Workers at Leeds Beckett University begin strike over pay, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.