Higher education strike in the UK
31 October 2013
This is the fifth year of pay awards below the cost of living for UNISON’s members in the higher education sector. In real terms, their pay has been cut by 13%. This is despite the fact that student numbers are up and the sector has cash surpluses of over £1bn.
Across the UK terms and conditions are being eroded while job insecurity is increasing. Our lowest paid members have lost between £663 and £1,173 a year with higher paid staff losing even more. Over half of the vice chancellors earn over £242,000 per year and that this is over £100k more than the Prime Minister. The highest paid employee in higher education receives more than £500,000 a year. So we know there is money available for those at the very top. Meanwhile over 4,000 employees are paid below the Living Wage.
PSI is calling on trade unions around the world to support our sister unions in the UK by sending solidarity messages which will be used on UNISON’s website and social media during the strike. Messages should be sent to IRelations@unison.co.uk. You can also post messages on twitter using the hash tag #FairPayinHE and copy in @unisontweets or @UNISON_global
