Staff at the Glasgow School of Art will join colleagues from the University of Glasgow on strike today (Friday) in a row over pay, says UNISON.
Today’s one day walk-out is the second time this month that the University of Glasgow has taken action. Staff will hold picket lines at both higher education institutions.
Support staff, including administrators, cleaners, receptionists and librarians will strike after university bosses refused to improve on a below inflation 1.4% pay increase.
University workers say the offer is insulting, on the back of years of wage deals that have fallen behind rising bills, and during a cost-of-living crisis.
Staff salaries have dropped by 20% in real terms over the past decade, says UNISON.
UNISON Glasgow School of Art branch convener Jacq Coyle Dow said: “The Scottish government is keen to talk up the success of the arts but falls short when it comes to investing in Scotland’s universities. This below inflation pay increase has left staff with no choice but to join the fight for fair pay.”
UNISON University of Glasgow branch chair Sophie Watson said: “We welcomed recent talks with the university, but they have to offer us a fair pay increase. The last thing staff want to do is strike but a below inflation pay award is simply another pay cut.
Notes to editors:
– Picket lines from 8am on Friday:
University of Glasgow – main gate, University Avenue, G12 8QQ.
Glasgow School of Art – corner of Scott Street and Renfrew Street, G3 6RQ.
– UNISON is the largest union in Scotland, with members working in education, local government, the NHS, social care, police staff, energy and Scottish Water.