December 3, 2013 3.07 pm This story is over 123 months old

Lincoln university staff strike again over pay

The last stand: Union members from the University of Lincoln have taken part in a second strike over pay, after negotiations failed.
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

In a dispute over pay, union members at the University of Lincoln walked out on December 3, for the second time since October.

Members of University College Union, Unison and Unite met with Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) to discuss a “miserly” pay rise offer of 1%, about 2.5% under the rate of inflation.

As previously reported, the first nation-wide strike, on October 31, saw around 20 members of staff form picket lines at major entry and exit points to the university.

UCEA, since meeting with negotiators, have refused amendments to that standing pay offer, offering only to “look into equality issues”.

On December 3, union members met at points across the campus and handed out flyers to passers by. Staff involved said that since 2008 they have seen a real-terms pay cut of 13%.

University of Lincoln union members took part in a second strike over pay. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

University of Lincoln union members took part in a second strike over pay. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

General Secretary of UCU, Sally Hunt, said: “We have to be clear, this dispute is completely unnecessary – the money to stop the decline in pay is there in university surplus and reserves.

“Employers have made a choice that workers and their families will suffer falling living standards while they hoard reserves and prioritise non-staff projects.

“Industrial action is now the only option – I know that taking strike action is a difficult decision, so it should be.”

Ahead of the strike, press officer for the Lincoln branch of UCU, Geoff Adams, said: “We understand that Tuesday’s strike is national day of action, rather than a localised dispute with the management team here at Lincoln, with whom relations are positive.”