UNISON welcomes news of Leeds university vice-chancellor’s departure

The resignation of the vice-chancellor of the University of Leeds is a positive step towards resolving the long-running pay dispute with staff, UNISON says today (Wednesday).

Support staff at the university, including cleaners, administrators, IT technicians and library staff, have staged more than 50 days of strikes due to the university’s unwillingness to negotiate.

The union believes Simone Buitendijk’s decision to leave the position of vice-chancellor could lead to more productive discussions to resolve the dispute.

Professor Buitendijk will officially leave the role on 31 December 2023 – but deputy vice-chancellor Professor Hai-Sui Yu will take over leading the university from 1 November.

UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside head of education Leonie Sharp said: “Staff have been asking for an improved wage to help them cope as food and fuel prices continue to rise – and the vice-chancellor has been unwilling to engage.

“She’s presided over the most fractious dispute at the university for decades, and when UNISON called for her to get round the table to negotiate, she’s left the building.

“Hopefully this decision will result in more productive talks between the union and university.”

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