Following three days of industrial action in February, staff at the University of Bristol, along with staff from other universities across the country, will be taking part in two further days of industrial action this week.
The strikes are organised by the University’s UNISON branch, representing professional services staff including admin workers, library staff, IT services, and student support.
Industrial action follows this year’s “insulting” pay rise of 1.4%, the 17th year that staff at the University have received a pay rise below inflation.
Wednesday’s strike will coincide with a postgraduate open day at the University, and picket lines will provide a visible presence across university estate focused on campus tours and faculty talks for prospective students and their families.
Aniqah Rawat, a University of Bristol UNISON member, says:
“We’re really looking forward to meeting prospective students and explaining to them how unfair staff conditions will affect their degree. Cutting staff pay for 17 years is not sustainable, and puts their degree at risk.”
The last time industrial action coincided with open days was in 2023, and caused significant embarrassment to the University’s senior management. (Bristol University open day severely disrupted by UCU and UNISON protests).
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, offered her support to the branch:
“Solidarity with Unison workers at the University of Bristol, who are striking against a 3.4% real terms pay cut. Since 2009, higher education pay has lost around 28% of its value. Meanwhile, low-paid workers have borne the brunt of the crisis in higher education funding.
This strike is important for Bristol. University of Bristol workers make up a significant proportion of the city’s workforce – at 4.8%. I also have a personal connection to this issue – many of my friends either currently work in universities, or have left, due to unmanageable working conditions. Workloads can’t keep increasing while wages are dropping.
I’m proud to have supported striking University of Bristol workers since I was a local councillor, and to have joined them on picket lines across the years. I echo their demands: it’s time for University workers to be paid fairly.”
After a successful ballot last year, Unison has a six-month mandate for industrial action, and is committed to continuing its strike action until it is satisfied that the senior management at the University are taking the needs of its staff seriously.
The branch welcomes donations to its industrial action hardship fund:
Donate – University of Bristol UNISON
Sources
Bristol University open day severely disrupted by UCU and UNISON protests
University of Bristol staff strike for fair pay – University of Bristol UNISON