An amber weather warning for extreme heat is in place for most of the UK until this coming Thursday. It is often reported that there is no maximum workplace temperature for UK workplaces, but this does not remove the broader duty that employers have to keep their employees safe. It is vital that steps are…
The general secretary is the most senior role in the union. They represent UNISON when talking to the media, other unions, employers and to Parliament. UNISON has to elect its general secretary every five years and the vote is now open. Look out for an envelope that looks like this posted to your home address. It’s simple…
Make sure you have your say! We are seeking the views of all of our grade 2 to 5 members on a revised offer from the University. Please look out for your consultation email and vote as soon as you can! If you can’t vote by email, look out for text message voting from next…
Press release Support staff at the University of Birmingham, including cleaners, maintenance workers, library staff and administrators, will take strike action on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 September, just as record numbers of students arrive for the new academic year. Why staff are striking: Pay: A below-inflation 1.4% pay offer, which amounts to a real-terms…
Concerns raised about chronic understaffing at Birmingham ahead of start of term For several years now, the University of Birmingham unions have sounded the alarm about workload pressure and overstretched services. As the start of a new academic year looms, there are warning signs that things could be reaching a crisis point, and we…
Yesterday we saw UNISON members overwhelmingly back plans to take strike action on the 14 August at well attended meetings. After ballots closed on the 8th July, where 87% of members voted for strike action, this will be the first strike day we have announced. UNISON members include cleaners, catering staff, library workers, security officers,…
The UNISON and UCU branch committees note the recent occupation of the Guild of Students by the “Birmingham Students Assembly”. The occupation was a response to actions taken by the National Union of Students (NUS) related to a letter to it from over 70 elected student officers and almost 120 student groups, from more than…
Support staff vote for strike action after University of Birmingham fails to offer fair pay and conditions Our ballot for strike action closed on the 8 July. Once again we have smashed through the 50% turnout threshold, with the vast majority of staff voting in favour of action. Turnout: 54.9%YES to strike action: 86.7%NO to…
Save the Date: Day of Action for Trans Rights – Solidarity Picnic and Crafternoon Wednesday 16th July 2025 While staff and students at the University are stepping up and standing together with the trans* community, management continue to choose silence over support. Our network has grown, we’ve hosted speakers, held solidarity picnics and we continue…
After months of slow and frustrating pay talks, UNISON members have firmly rejected the University’s final pay offer for 2024/25 following a consultation in March. At a meeting this month, members overwhelmingly backed plans to move to a formal strike ballot. What happens next A formal strike ballot will open on Tuesday 3 June and…
