Staff at every university in Wales start voting today (SEPT 6) on whether to take industrial action in disputes over pay, working conditions and pensions. The University and College Union (UCU) warned some university staff “face poverty” as it began balloting members today.
The union said ballots were being held over long running disputes which have now become more urgent in the face of “the worst cost of living crisis in living memory.” A result on the ballot will be announced next month.
Staff in Wales are among more than 70,000 at 150 universities being balloted across the UK in a dispute over their employers’ below inflation 3% pay offer as well as working conditions and pension cuts that amount to a 35% reduction in retirement income for some.