British higher education staff to walk out over pay, may impact exams

Staff working in universities and colleges in Britain will walk out later this month because of the ongoing dispute over pay, a higher education staff union confirmed Monday.

UCU, University and College Union, said on Monday that the two-day national strike will be conducted on May 25 and 26.

Lecturers, researchers, as well as librarians at universities and colleges will refuse to work overtime, set additional work or undertake any voluntary duties, said UCU, a union which represents over 110,000 staff in universities, colleges, adult education and training organizations across Britain.

The dispute has arisen after a 1.1 percent pay increase offered by the Universities and Colleges Employers' Association (UCEA) to the higher education staff was rejected by unions who demanded more.

"A 1.1 percent offer is an insult to the hard work and dedication of higher education staff, particularly in light of the 3 percent average pay rise enjoyed by vice-chancellors this year," said Sally Hunt, UCU general secretary.

Further strikes will be conducted in the following months if no agreement could reach in weeks, which would impact on the release of A-level results, and members of the union will also boycott setting and marking students' work, said UCU.

"Industrial action which impacts on students is never taken lightly, but staff feel that they have been left with no alternative. The employers need to come back to the table with a much improved offer if they wish to avoid significant disruption to students in the coming months," Hunt added.

A spokesperson of UCEA, the employers' association for the British higher education sector said the industrial action is "disappointing" for higher education institutions, with one trade union on a path to try and cause disruption.

The spokesperson added that the vast majority of staff in higher education institutions understand the reality of the current environment and do not support action that could harm both their institutions and students.

"Withdrawing labor is a breach of contract leaving higher education institutions with no choice but to deduct full pay from any member of staff taking strike action. UCEA and the higher education institutions are dismayed that the UCU has targeted students from the very outset of pay discussions," the spokesperson said.