University of Gloucestershire staff are taking their pay dispute to the picket line.
UNISON members have voted to take the strike action over a pay offer of 1.5%. The offer follows a 0% pay freeze the previous year.
Action will take place throughout the day with pickets at both the Oxstalls and Francis Close Hall campuses.
The University and College Union (UCU) is also staging a series of strikes at several universities over pay and pension issues over the coming days.
UNISON’s convenor at the University, Joe Sucksmith said “Despite working throughout the pandemic to keep campuses open and students and staff safe, at considerable personal risk, many of our members are now struggling to pay the bills and afford basic provisions.
“Our members comprise some of the lowest paid in the university, including cleaners, porters, maintenance workers, student support workers; the very backbone of the university. This offer from the employers is just not good enough.
“None of our members want to go on strike; however, they are aware that this may be the only way to persuade the employers to change their mind.”
UNISON head of education Mike Short said: “University staff have had enough of real-term pay cuts. Over the past 12 years, the value of higher education pay has declined significantly.
“With so many workers facing a cost-of-living crisis this year, it is more urgent than ever that employers get back round the table to make a decent and fair offer.
“Many are planning to leave for better paid jobs in other parts of the economy. An above-inflation wage rise is needed to persuade valued staff to stay.”
