University staff across the United Kingdom will vote on potential strike action in a growing pay dispute. The University and College Union (UCU) announced that 65,000 members working at universities nationwide will be balloted in the coming weeks.
The union has begun preparations for a UK-wide ballot covering 138 institutions, with voting expected to commence on October 20. UCU officials said university employers had rejected their demands to improve upon a 1.4% pay increase offer.
Pay dispute escalates
The union argues the proposed 1.4% rise amounts to a real-terms pay cut given current inflation levels. UCU leaders have described the offer as inadequate and insulting to higher education staff who support students and conduct research.
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, said: "University employers are now on notice that we will launch a UK-wide pay ballot with the potential for co-ordinated strike action that will cause maximum disruption on campus. Our members, not vice-chancellors, are the people who support students, create teaching materials, conduct world-leading research and keep universities running; we are the university."
Coordinated action threatened
The UCU has warned of potential coordinated industrial action with other unions representing university staff in the new year. This could significantly amplify any disruption to university operations and student education.
Grady called on employers to return to negotiations with an improved offer to avoid the need for strike ballots and potential industrial action. The union maintains that current proposals fail to recognise the value of higher education workers amid continuing economic pressures.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
