University Support Staff In Sussex Set To Strike Next Week

Saturday, 12 August 2023 08:39

By John Warburton @Warblefly

University of Sussex: Library Square (© Wikimedia user ak689 / Creative Commons)

Many university support staff in Sussex, members of UNISON, have been asked to strike for two days in the coming week, disputing a pay rise their union calls "inadequate".

Union leaders say the action will disrupt "clearing week", when students look for remaining places in higher education establishments across the country.

The strike, involving cleaners, IT technicians, administrators, library staff and other support staff, is expected to be for 48 hours beginning on Wednesday (August 16).

According to the union, the action will take place at the University of Brighton, the University of Sussex, the University of Chichester, and elsewhere in Britain.

It's over an increase in pay that UNISON calls "short of what's needed to cope with cost of living pressures".

Depending on salary, the rise is worth 5% to 8%, with lower paid workers receiving higher proportional rises.

The union says it's planned for picket lines at the University of Sussex's main entrance on August 16 and 17.

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."

A University of Sussex spokesperson stated on Friday:

"We are ready for clearing and have measures in place to minimise any impact of the strike".

But they added that a £6.6m support package had been announced for staff and students in Autumn 2022, and that the crisis had caused a "uniquely challenging set of circumstances for working people", and that they "respect the right" to strike.