University support staff in Bristol will take a further five days of action over “insulting” pay offer, says UNISON today (Wednesday).
Higher education workers, including student support, administration services, library services, IT and admissions, at the University of Bristol will walk out for five days of consecutive action from Thursday 15 to Monday 19 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.
University of Bristol staff took action in September, November, February and earlier this month.
Mia Smith, university library assistant, said: “The University of Bristol has proven again and again that it cares more about its profit than its people.
“Inflation continues to rise, house prices continue to rise, food prices continue to rise, yet our wages don’t. This university can’t exist without us, and we’ll keep fighting until they pay us what we deserve.”
Vicky Redwood, a faculty timetabling and education officer, said: “I am striking because I am fed up with seeing the university spending extraordinary amount of money on expansions, while my pay has stagnated. I believe you should be able to afford to live in the city you work.
“As a world leading University, there is no excuse not to pay your staff what they deserve. This strike is a last resort. We care about our students, but cannot do our best work when we are dealing with increased workloads, increased student numbers and worries about the increased cost of living in Bristol.”
UNISON South West head of higher education Chris Roche said: “University of Bristol staff have been left with no other choice but to take further strike action. Despite their tireless efforts to ensure students receive a high-quality education, they have faced years of declining real wages.
“Enough is enough. 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.”
