Industrial Action –
Frequently Asked Questions

What is industrial action?

When your trade union and your employer disagree on an issue (usually pay), then your union can announce a formal dispute and ask their members to vote on whether to strike. 

There are laws governing what must happen for a strike to be able to take place. Our ballot is disaggregated, meaning that in order to have a strike mandate, 50% of UoB Unison members must take part in the vote, and a majority of those who vote must vote in favour of strike action. Once a strike mandate has been achieved, the branch may strike any dates within that 6 month strike window. If the branch is still in dispute, they will need to go through another strike ballot. 

What happens during a strike?

If you go on strike, you can simply stay at home. However, we encourage you to attend a range of organised pickets outside various locations around the University, where you can meet with colleagues who are also on strike and promote our cause to the general public and other staff and students. You are free to do whatever you are comfortable with, and there is no pressure to take part in a picket if you don’t want to. 

Will striking staff lose money on days they strike?

You do not receive your usual pay when on strike, however, the current Unison National Executive Committee (NEC) provides members £50/day for striking. You can collect this payment from our branch after the strike.

Why should we strike?

Taking strike action when our employer fails to offer acceptable terms is really the only way that we can collectively demonstrate the essential role we play in the running of the University. By withdrawing our labour, we show management that the University cannot function without us, and that we deserve fair pay that rises in relation to the cost of living. 

Is striking effective?

YES! Our last round of strike action in summer 2023 is to thank for the new pay scale with extra spine points, and the extra 2 days holiday for all staff. Although this is less than we were asking for, we wouldn’t have achieved this without striking. The strike also secured us regular meetings with university SMT to discuss pay. Taking action over an open day was especially effective – university buildings like the library were completely closed! ✊📢