Leeds University UNISON Staff continue striking against low pay

UNISON members at the University of Leeds are continuing strike action organised over a period of months.

In the last 14 years Higher Education employees have seen their pay go down- to the point they are being paid 30% less for doing the same job. They perform essential work assisting Departments, front facing student support services, library, maintaining buildings etc.

The cost-of-living crisis has seen their wages drop further in value, leaving many struggling to pay bills and in poverty.

The Higher Education sector received a record amount of income 2020-21 at £44 billion. The total income for the University of Leeds reached £930 million. The leadership staff on over £100,000 has increased from 174 to 208. The Vice Chancellor’s pay last year was 9.3%, More than any other staff member. Their salary was £330,000. Yet the University says it cannot afford to pay its lowest paid workers more.

Members have been taking strike action and are determined to win fair pay. Friday 16^th June saw UCU strikers alongside UNISON members taking action at the University. The University Open day became a ‘Closed Day’ with many prospective students and their families presented with a snapshot of how the management is treating its employees. Lively picket lines around the University and a joint rally on the Parkinson steps drew in a lot of support from the public. One group of school students walked past applauding the rally to the sound of car horns from the public.