Support staff at the University of Sussex kicked off two days of strike action this morning (August 16) over an inadequate pay rise, says union, UNISON.
Industrial action has taken place during ‘clearing week’, which will disrupt the process of filling courses with vacant spots, the union says.
The workers – who include cleaners, IT technicians, administrators, library staff and others supporting student learning – will walk out for 48 hours from today (Wednesday, 16 August).
This is an escalation of UNISON’s dispute, which now involves 22 universities across the country.
Other institutions with mandates for industrial action include the University of Brighton, University of Winchester, Solent University, University of Chichester, and University of Leeds. Staff at the latter will be also taking strike action during ‘clearing week’ for seven days starting on Saturday, August 12.
UNISON says the pay rise staff have been given falls short of what’s needed to cope with cost-of-living pressures.
The 2023/24 pay offer is worth 5-8% depending on salary, with a higher percentage rise for lower paid workers.
UNISON South East head of higher education Neil Duncan-Jordan said:
"Senior managers in higher education have been enjoying executive-style pay and bonuses over the past few years.
“But support staff in vital roles, who make sure students have a decent university experience, have endured years of real-terms pay cuts.
"Many universities have already secured local agreements to resolve the dispute, including making changes to working hours, offering extra holiday days, or making one-off payments. Sussex could do the same, but has so far chosen not to.
“Universities must rethink their inadequate offer again and improve wages.”
UNISON head of higher education Ruth Smith said:
“These workers play a crucial role helping students through university, but many can’t support themselves as prices of food and fuel continue to rise.
“Employees are having to leave for better-paid jobs elsewhere, leaving students facing a worsening university experience.
“Sussex must now come back with a better pay offer or staff will be forced to continue with industrial action."
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