What’s Happening?
Earlier this year, national negotiations took place between the joint higher education unions (JNCHES) and the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) on the 2025/26 pay round.
UCEA imposed a 1.4% increase on all pay points from 1 August 2025. With RPI inflation at 4.8% as of July 2025, this amounts to a 3.4% pay cut in real terms for staff.
As a result, In June and July, UoB branch members voted overwhelmingly to reject the offer. 95% voted reject on a 63% turnout.
The joint higher education unions (EIS, GMB, UCU, UNISON and Unite) have all consulted their members and agreed to reject the offer.
Read more: Joint higher educations unions statement.
Read more: UNISON Higher Education Pay 2025/26
What happens next?
There will be a postal ballot on strike action from 20th October until 28th November. As a branch member, you will receive a ballot in the post asking whether you support industrial action over the pay offer.
If more than 50% of our members vote “Yes”, and if we achieve a turnout of more than 50%, our branch will receive a mandate for industrial action for six months. This does not mean we will definitely take strike action, but it makes it more likely, and strengthens our position as a union.
UCU and UNITE, Our sister unions at the University of Bristol, are balloting their members at the same time, increasing the likelihood that we will be able to strike together.
What Can I do right now?
- If you haven’t already, join UNISON.
- Login to My UNISON and check your address details are up to date. If your address is wrong, you will not receive your postal ballot and risk being disenfranchised.
- Keep up to date with branch updates and emails as the ballot approaches.
- Join the PAY ACTION GROUP on Teams 💪. This is a group for branch members to coordinate on mobilising the branch for the ballot and any potential strike action. Ask your workplace contact or a branch activist to add you to the group.