UNISON support staff at University of Birmingham to strike at the start of the new term

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 pay cut.
• Broken promises: including a long delayed reduction in the working week.
• Working conditions: Unsustainable workloads and staff shortages.

The pay offer mirrors the national university deal, which has already been rejected by higher education unions across the country.

Impact of the strike:

The action is expected to cause significant disruption. One library has confirmed it will close, catering outlets are likely to shut, and many cleaning, administrative and maintenance staff will join the walkout.

Concerns over safety:

Staff say low staffing levels are creating risks, particularly in maintenance teams responsible for electrical and gas safety. The Health and Safety Executive recently inspected the University after concerns were raised about stress and workload.

Mike Moore, UNISON branch secretary, said: “Campus is already struggling to cope with record student numbers. There have been queues everywhere as services fail to meet demand, the most noticeable being a 4 hour queue in the middle of campus for right-to-study checks for International students. Staff are stretched to breaking point. We’ve had troubling reports from our members on safety concerns, because there aren’t enough staff to maintain essential systems like electrics and gas pipes. The University has tried to plug gaps with temporary staff and contractors, but this is not sustainable. Students deserve safe, properly staffed services, but the University is refusing to invest in them.”

What UNISON is calling for:

UNISON is urging University management to return to talks with a serious offer on pay and staffing, warning that disruption will continue unless action is taken.

Information for our members and supporters

• Picket lines will be up and running on every gate of the University from 8am onwards. They will finish at 11am on Monday, and 12pm on Tuesday.
• There will be rallies on both days at the University Station plaza after the pickets
• We would really welcome any supporters who can make it. Please come to our 12pm rally on Tuesday if you can.
• Members should have a look at our FAQs on Strike Action for information on strike pay, pickets for different departments and more information
• Please follow our social media, and like and share all of our strike posts – Instragram & Facebook.
• We’d also really appreciate any messages you can leave on our online picket line
• Individuals can donate to our strike fund via GoFundMe
• If you are a branch who would like to donate or send us a solidarity message, please drop us an email at unisonbham@contacts.bham.ac.uk