“On strike – can’t pay the rent!”

The region was well represented, with UNISON members in five universities across the South East taking part in the dispute.

The move to strike action came after members voted to reject a pay offer for 2023/24 – worth between 5% and 8% but well below the rate of inflation at the time – in a consultation conducted by the union earlier this year.

Members, activists and organisers were also active on social media, building support for the dispute with displays of solidarity on the picket line – including the odd dog!

Solent University

Some serious solidarity down at Solent University this morning. #RisingTogetherForBetterPay @UNISONinHE pic.twitter.com/b926o2QfFZ

— UNISON South East (@UNISONSE) October 2, 2023

Things started off strong at Solent, with a fantastic show of solidarity on the first day of industrial action.

The picket line is getting busier and so much support from the public here at Solent Uni! The message is clear – On strike for better pay! @UNISONinHE @UNISONSE pic.twitter.com/nGgOA2G7cM

— Emma Lang – (She/Her) (@OrganiserEmma) October 3, 2023

It turned into a party on the second day, complete with regional organiser James keeping strikers and supporters entertained musical numbers, and a mass whistle to ‘Sweet Caroline’.

University of Chichester

https://twitter.com/UNISONSE/status/1708838575649734709

The ever-popular sight of a pup on the picket line got an update at the University of Chichester, with this solidarity Shiba making the message clear: fair pay now.

University of Winchester

University of Winchester journalism student Osian Davis asked UNISON members and organisers what the strike was all about. Rory, a workplace rep, summed it up: “It’s been over a decade since we had a pay rise in line with inflation.”

University of Brighton

Ivan #UNISON Branch Secretaty @UniBtonUnison speaking at #Universities #strike rally #Brighton @SussexUnison @UNISONSE @UNISONinHE pic.twitter.com/8fOwpBC0b7

— Caroline Fife (@cfifeunison) October 2, 2023

University of Brighton Unison branch secretary Ivan addressed a crowd gathered at a post-picket rally in Victoria Gardens…

We're #RisingTogetherForBetterPay in Higher Education across the South East today and tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/uoP3UrZRq0

— UNISON South East (@UNISONSE) October 2, 2023

… only a short hop across Grand Parade for some of our University of Brighton strikers, who spent the morning cheering on the support from passing traffic.

University of Sussex

Years of below inflation #payrises mean library staff wages have been eroded UCEA needs to give a higher rise University of Sussex #Brighton @SussexUnison @UNISONSE @UNISONinHE #UNISON #Strike pic.twitter.com/auMljWOCC9

— Caroline Fife (@cfifeunison) October 3, 2023

University wages for support staff hardly cover the cost of living at University of Sussex #Brighton UCEA need to give a better #payrise #UNISON #Strike fighting for better #pay @SussexUnison @UNISONSE @UNISONinHE pic.twitter.com/RSmbStEgDm

— Caroline Fife (@cfifeunison) October 3, 2023

Why are we on #strike? Support Staff like administrators are forced to have a 2nd job at the supermarket to be able to pay their rent University of Sussex wages don't cover the cost of living #Brighton @SussexUnison @UNISONSE @UNISONinHE #UNISON pic.twitter.com/Jf4DoXEjmC

— Caroline Fife (@cfifeunison) October 3, 2023

Regional organiser Caroline Fife captured the shocking stories of some of our University of Sussex strikers, including second jobs to pay the rent and decades of below inflation pay rises.

It’s a similar story across the region and throughout the country, and the reason our members are rising together for better pay.