University support staff in Bournemouth will strike tomorrow over “woeful” pay offer from the Universities and Colleges Employers Association, says UNISON today (Monday).
Higher education workers at Arts University Bournemouth will walk out for a day of strike action on Tuesday 6th June.
UNISON says the current offer falls a long way short of inflation and staff deserve more.
The 2023/24 pay offer is worth 5-8% depending on salary, with a higher percentage rise for lower paid workers. Some of this amount – around £83 per month before tax – was paid early to staff in February to help with the increasing cost of living.
Arts University Bournemouth staff also took action in April.
Preeti Sood, technician demonstrator and UNISON rep said:
“Going on strike is not an easy decision to make but we have had twelve years of pay cuts in real terms.
“My colleagues and I are struggling to make ends meet. We feel we have no other option but to fight for better and fair pay. We are calling on management to offer us a fair deal, enough is enough.”
UNISON South West regional secretary Joanne Kaye said:
“Arts University Bournemouth staff have been left with no other choice but to take strike action. Despite their tireless efforts to ensure students receive a high-quality education, they have faced years of declining real wages.
“University employees simply can’t afford to live on poverty wages or accept woeful, insulting pay offers. It’s time for university managers to make a fair offer that provides a living wage to all staff.”
