University of Gloucestershire workers escalate strike action in pay dispute

Support staff at the University of Gloucestershire will take a further three days of strike action from today (Tuesday) as a long-running dispute over pay continues, says UNISON.

Library assistants, administrators, IT workers and other support staff are walking out until Thursday (7 May) after rejecting a 1.4% pay offer that amounts to a real-terms cut, says UNISON.

The latest action follows strikes last month, as staff increase pressure on the university to secure a better deal.

UNISON says years of below-inflation pay awards have left many workers struggling to keep up with rising costs for essentials such as food, housing and energy.

The union remains concerned about the university’s priorities, pointing to significant recent investment in the £75m City Campus in Gloucester while staff face another real-terms pay cut.

UNISON South West regional secretary Tim Roberts said: “Staff showed their determination by taking strike action last month, and this week’s walkout demonstrates they’re not prepared to accept falling living standards.

“Workers keep the university running day in, day out. They deserve pay that reflects the value of the work they do, not an effective cut.

“The university must now use its influence to push for a better deal and bring this dispute to a fair resolution.”