Staff at the University of Glasgow including administrators, student support workers, cleaners, receptionists and librarians are to strike over pay today (Friday), says UNISON.
The union says the professional support and operational staff it represents will walk out after national pay body the University and College Employers Association (UCEA) imposed a pay increase of just 1.4%.
The award, less than half the current rate of inflation, is further eroded by sharp rises in energy bills and wider cost‑of‑living pressures. These will only worsen as a result of world events, says UNISON.
University staff pay has already been devalued by more than 25% since 2008, the union says.
Pay cuts and lack of funding for the higher education sector have led to chronic short‑staffing, UNISON adds.
UNISON Glasgow University branch chair Sophie Watson said: “University workers are effectively seeing their pay cut ever further. And there simply aren’t enough staff to give students the support they need, particularly when many young people are living away from home for the first time.
“This puts both students and staff at unnecessary risk. A review last year found systemic problems in student services and made a long list of improvements that are needed, putting greater pressure on the workforce.”
UNISON Scotland lead for higher education Adrian Moore said: “Universities have been struggling for years with inadequate funding and the value of staff pay has dropped hugely. The UK and Scottish governments must stop looking the other way and step in to protect the future of higher education.
“Universities provide world‑class medical, scientific and technological contributions to industry and train the key workers needed to maintain public services, like nurses, social workers and paramedics.
“The sector needs a sustainable future and that includes fair pay for staff.”
Notes for editors
– Photo opportunity: Staff will be attending a UNISON picket line at the university’s main entrance at University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ Glasgow from 8am today (Friday 10 April).
– UNISON is the largest union in Scotland, with members working in education, local government, the NHS, social care, police staff, energy and Scottish Water.