University of Birmingham support staff consider strike action in pay dispute
UNISON says workers are struggling with cost-of-living pressures as university says it remains in talks
Support staff at the University of Birmingham are considering further strike action in an ongoing dispute over pay, according to the union UNISON.
The union represents non-academic staff including cleaners, catering workers, security teams and library staff. It says members are unhappy with a 1.4% pay offer and argue it does not reflect the rising cost of living.
UNISON says some workers are facing increasing financial pressures and feel the proposed increase amounts to a real-terms pay cut. The union has warned that if an improved offer is not made, members are prepared to escalate industrial action.
Chanel from UNISON told us staff feel undervalued and want the university to return to negotiations with a revised proposal that better reflects current economic pressures.
The dispute follows previous strike action taken by support staff. UNISON says members remain willing to continue talks but want meaningful movement on pay.
In response, a University of Birmingham spokesperson said it continues to work with UNISON on this year’s pay negotiations. The university also pointed to improvements introduced in recent years, including enhanced pensions, equalised sick pay and the introduction of a 35-hour working week.
Talks between the two sides are ongoing.