Glasgow university workers are set to strike as they 'struggle to meet household costs' after working through the pandemic.
UNISION Scotland members working at the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University have all voted in favour of industrial action over pay. Cleaners, library workers, administrators and IT technicians are among those who 'kept universities running' while Scotland was tight in the grip of Covid-19.
It is these staff members who are part of UNISON Scotland and will be among those who walk out. Joining the Glasgow strikers are those from Edinburgh Napier and Robert Gordon in Aberdeen. Members at the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen as well as Heriot Watt University also voted for industrial action but missed the 50 per cent turnout threshold by 'the very narrowest of margins' according to union chiefs.
It comes just weeks before students across the country return to campus for the next academic year. In 2020, 2021 and 2022 – during the pandemic - employers imposed pay awards of 0 per cent, 1.5 per cent and 3 per cent.
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UNUSON allege that no university staff member has received anything close to current levels of inflation. Representatives were in meetings on Monday to review the results and will announce next steps.
Davena Rankin, branch secretary at Glasgow Caledonian University, said this is the result of a 'sad reality'.
She added: “University professional and support staff have gone above and beyond to support students throughout the pandemic and it’s time they were given the fair pay and recognition they deserve. No worker wants to go on strike but the sad reality is that we are struggling to meet household costs and this will only get worse.
“University professional and support staff have suffered years of poverty pay and below inflation pay rises but enough is enough. With the cost of fuel, food and energy all shooting up, we can’t afford anything less than an inflation busting pay rise and we deserve much better than what the employers have offered.”
Lorcan Mullen, UNISON regional organiser, said that before covid, 'inequalities on Scottish campuses were a national disgrace'.
He added: “Even before this cost of living crisis, pay inequalities on Scottish campuses were a national disgrace. The universities have – despite the severity of this crisis – imposed yet another pay deal that works as a real-terms pay cut for our members.
“We congratulate our members at four universities for beating thresholds set out in Tory anti-trade union legislation, but bitterly resent the impact of these unjust laws on democratic decisions made in three other institutions. We will decide on next steps in the coming days, but university bosses should know their lowest-paid staff are demanding more money and more respect, now.”
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