The employers’ national pay offer has been rejected by a majority of over two-thirds of respondents in the recent branch consultation.
UNISON’s Higher Education Service Group Executive (HESGE) met to consider the results and propose further action. Noting that the majority of Branch respondents had indicated their wish to reject the offer and that they were prepared to take strike action, the HESGE has requested a national industrial action ballot. The ballot will call on members to vote to take strike action to improve the current pay offer and seek to co-ordinate strikes with other HE unions. The HESGE will ask for national and regional resources to be dedicated to supporting the ballot and getting a high turnout, bearing in mind that the new trade union laws mean that a 50% turnout needs to be achieved to ensure that industrial action can be taken. The ballot is likely to take place in late September/early October.
There will be a joint members meeting with UCU and Unite on Wednesday 5th September at 1 pm in the Small Rehearsal Room at the Students’ Association. All members are welcome to attend. (Please note that all UNISON members are entitled to attend members meetings but must first request permission from their line manager.) The HESGE will be strongly campaigning to persuade members to vote to take action and we will produce updated materials and resources to support the process
