University staff in Glasgow are striking over a pay dispute.
Unison members at the University of Glasgow are taking the action over a below inflation pay award, which has already been imposed, and which the union says is unfair.
Unison said the pay deal from UCEA is 3% for most staff with some on the lowest pay receiving 7.2%. The union said it is still “well off current inflation rates".
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Staff were on the picket line outside the university today and the strike is planned to continue tomorrow.
Glasgow Caledonian University staff called off a planned strike to consider a local offer from their employer.
Lorcan Mullen, Unison Scotland regional organiser, said: “The university staff we represent are sick to death of below-inflation pay rises, and members at these universities will be in the first wave of action on campuses this year.
“In recent days, we have seen a range of offers and impositions of one-off payments from several Scottish universities to supplement the imposed, disputed national award.
“This demonstrates a clear ability to pay better on a permanent basis, and our members want to fight for consolidated improvements to their pay and conditions. They also demand a serious, respectful negotiation with their representatives, not charity from on high.
“These workers kept universities running throughout the pandemic; they are indispensable to a functioning university and they cannot keep being treated as second-class citizens on Scottish campuses.
“They must be paid fairly, and treated with respect, and to achieve that Unison is ready for talks with any sector employer.”
When strikes were announced, the Universities and Colleges Employers Association said higher education institutions “have done their best to support jobs and staff in very difficult circumstances and against a backdrop of significant cost increases, with most experiencing falling income in real terms".
It added: "Employers want to work with Unison and other unions to support staff and students, but isolated strike action over already awarded pay may simply hurt students and staff for no obvious outcome.”
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