UNISON settles dispute with University of Birmingham, winning key improvements on conditions
UNISON is thrilled to announce a significant victory in our dispute with the University of Birmingham over the pay spine reform. Thanks to our members’ unwavering support and strength, we have successfully negotiated key improvements in working conditions. Members voted to draw our strike to a close, but our campaign continues as we work to resolve the remaining issues.
Victory in pay spine dispute
Following a consultation of our members last month, UNISON confirms the resolution of our dispute over the pay spine reform and its imposition last year. This is a monumental win for our branch, considering the way the University originally chose to impose these changes without proper consultation of its staff. This victory demonstrates the value of our collective action, and the power of standing strong together.
The power of collective action
Our successful strike campaign, driven by the strength and solidarity of our members, achieved significant progress in securing fairer working conditions and pay.
What we won
Thanks to our members’ persistence and determination over the last year, we have achieved several key improvements:
- Accountability: We held the University accountable, showing that changes must be negotiated and agreed upon with staff and their representatives, not imposed from on high.
- Negotiations: Our persistent action brought the University back to the table to negotiate.
- Improved Terms and Conditions: We negotiated a new statement of terms and conditions, with better wording around working hours and other key areas.
- Simplified Pay Scales: We negotiated fewer steps on the pay scales to reach the top of your grade.
- Better Pension Contributions: We gained higher employer contribution to pensions.
- One-Off Payments: We made sure there was a one-off payment for all staff, not just those who signed.
- Back Pay: We negotiated back pay for staff who didn’t sign, so no one lost out.
- Shorter Working Week: We gained a commitment to a 35-hour full-time working week, with part-time and shift workers set to receive pay rises.
- Improved Sick Pay: We won an improvement to sick pay, with six months half pay now payable after the initial six months on full pay.
- Accessible Pickets: We held our first-ever accessible pickets, making space for all members to join in and feel accepted.
Ongoing efforts and future campaigns
While we celebrate these successes, we acknowledge that not all issues have been resolved. We are committed to addressing the outstanding matters and will continue to work hard to negotiate on those.
What we still need to win
As we move forward, there are several key issues that we need to continue fighting for:
- Weekend Allowances: The University still insists that catering staff cannot be included in weekend allowances.
- Competitive Pay: Pay for some staff groups, such as the Estates department and staff required to work evenings without overnight shifts, remains uncompetitive.
- Living Wage Accreditation: The University is still not an accredited real living wage employer. While it agrees to match the living wage for direct employees, the failure to accredit leaves staff at related employers like the Edgbaston Park Hotel, the Guild of Students, and contractors without the certainty of receiving a fair wage.
As we enter a new academic year, we will call on the University to engage afresh with us to resolve these issues. Our members have shown their willingness to stick together and stand up for each other. It would be in everyone’s interest for the University to listen to the voice of their staff and work with us on these matters.
Thank you
Thank you to all of our members for their unwavering support and dedication. Thank you to our long-standing members for your commitment, thank you to our new members for joining us, and thank you to our active members for your contributions and support.
Stay connected with UNISON
Follow us on social media to stay informed about our latest campaigns, news, and events. Join the conversation and be a part of our community!
