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, administrators and many other support and non-academic roles. A significant impact on the University’s operations is expected. 

The action will come as students across the country receive their A-Level results, including thousands who hope to study at the University in the Autumn. One key activity at the University on this date is “clearing,” where staff, many who are volunteers, take phone calls from prospective students to fill the remaining places on courses.

Why is UNISON UoB Branch going on strike?

We have not taken this step lightly. Most of us work here because we want to play our part in supporting students and being part of delivering an excellent quality education. We are doing this because unfortunately the University is not engaging with us constructively to resolve numerous deep seated issues, including low pay, sky-rocketing workloads and unfair and discriminatory policies. We are here to send the message that things need to change for staff, and that the services this years prospective students will rely on are already at breaking point. 

What are we asking for?

• An improved pay offer: University management has recently offered just 1.4% meaning another real terms pay cut of 3% for staff, with inflation above 4% and rising.
• Compensation for their delay in previously promised improvements: University management promised to improve terms and conditions, including a 35 hour working week, which has still not materialised and our members should be compensated for the delays.
• Action on unsafe workloads and unfair employment practices: Our rise in casework, members stories, and an ongoing HSE investigation into stress and workload management at the University show the strain on essential services. 

We are open to an offer to stop the strike action

UNISON representatives have continued to look for a solution that would postpone the strike day, and will listen to any offers University management may wish to make. Past events have made members understandably skeptical of any offers that come without firm commitments, but a concrete commitment from the University on our demands would go a long way to rebuilding trust and allowing further talks to progress.

Plans for the day

We will be be on picket lines at the Edgbaston campus:

• From 6am – Grange road pedestrian entrance
• From 8am – University station, Guild of Students, South gate

A rally is due to take place at the University station at 11am. We would welcome any support from students, members of other unions or members of the public.

More information for members about the day and about taking strike action in general will be posted on our FAQs, and all members should keep an eye out for updates by email, text and whatsapp.  

How our members can help

We encourage all members to speak to colleagues about what’s at stake, put up posters in your area, recruit new members and join the picket lines!

Supporters can find campaign updates on this website or follow @bhamuniunison on Instagram or on Facebook.