As support staff at the University of Leeds prepare for their 50th day of industrial action in the long-running pay dispute, UNISON is calling on the institution’s senior managers to make an acceptable offer and end the suffering of staff and students.
Employees will walk out this Friday (29 September), before joining coordinated action with 19 other universities in England and Scotland by striking next Monday and Tuesday (2-3 October).
The coordinated walkout will also see staff from Leeds Trinity University take industrial action for the first time.
UNISON believes reaching 50 days of industrial action at the University of Leeds is not a milestone to be celebrated, but highlights senior managers’ unwillingness to engage in productive talks.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional manager Leonie Sharp said: “Striking is always a last resort, so reaching 50 days was never going to be something to celebrate.
“But unfortunately, the university has shown a complete unwillingness to pay its staff fairly.
“Despite all these challenges, the spirit of staff should be celebrated. They’re showing a steely determination, that they won’t back down as they push for fair pay.”
UNISON University of Leeds branch secretary Angela Blackburn said: “Staff are tired, they want to do the jobs they’re passionate about, but they’re not going to roll over.
“Employees are determined to be paid fairly for the work they do, and until the university puts forward an acceptable offer, they’ll continue to take action.
“There’s already been lots of disruption both for staff and students, which the university could’ve easily avoided.
“Things have got so bad that supervisors are having to buy food and even shoes for staff. That’s just not acceptable. Luckily a lot of students are aware of the struggles staff are facing and understand and support their need to take action.
“The university needs to address these poverty wages being paid in a supposedly world class education sector.”
Many students have joined staff on picket lines to show support.
University of Leeds MA (Social and Public Policy) student Kaynan Hudson said: “As a student I’ve been proud to stand with staff on picket lines in their fight for fair pay.
“From cleaners to librarians, security staff to the admissions team, the work of all the support staff at the university is invaluable. Without them the university would not function.”
