Mary Finch, Unison rep, personal capacity
The end of November could see the biggest higher education strike in history with UCU and Unison members walking out together.
Unison represents professional services staff – everything from libraries, exams and admissions, to cleaning, security and catering. Our members keep campuses open and the university running.
Unison members have gained confidence from being on strike and watching UCU’s battle with the bosses. Our dispute is currently smaller, but growing. Eleven universities walked out during the first round of strikes this year, and, when we reballoted, that went up by 50% to 16 universities.
The university bosses are feeling the pressure as well. The University and Colleges Employers Association implemented a 3% pay rise in August – the highest in years, and double the 1.5% we were given last year. 3% is nowhere near Unison’s demand for inflation plus 2%, but it shows that strikes get results – and by continuing our dispute, we can win more.
Coordinating with UCU means we can completely shut down several campuses across the country. This will provide an enormous boost for all striking university staff, and it can bring more Unison members out on strike.
