UNISON threaten strike action at University of Staffordshire
The union says student advisors, caterers and admin workers are being balloted after being offered a 1.4% pay rise for the next academic year.
Support staff at the University of Staffordshire are threatening to strike over what they call an “insulting” pay offer.
The union UNISON says student advisors, caterers and admin workers are being balloted after being offered a one point four percent pay rise for the next academic year.
Staff say they have missed out on pay increases for nearly a year and haven't had a pay rise that matches inflation since 2008.
UNISON say the University of Staffordshire’s vice chancellor Professor Martin Jones received a 5.5% pay rise this year – almost four times the 1.4% staff have been offered – and took home a package worth £326,000.
The strike vote closes on Friday (20 March).
A spokesperson for the University of Staffordshire said: “We have been informed by UNISON that it is currently balloting members regarding concerns about job security and the timing of a pay award.
We recognise that colleagues are concerned about the future of the university and their roles, and we will continue to work constructively with UNISON and UCU, our recognised trade unions, to support staff during a challenging period for the higher education sector.
For clarity, the Vice-Chancellor has not received a pay increase for the current academic year, which is the same position as other staff.”