Unison members working in catering, cleaning and security held a well supported one day strike at the University of Birmingham on 28 June. They were protesting against the removal of premium payments for weekend and anti social hours and reduction of holiday entitlement by a week. They also expect some staff to commence collecting work materials in their own time instead of the University's as is currently the case.
In addition, they refuse to become a Living Wage employer unlike many other universities.
There were well attended and lively picket lines at several entrances and a mood of defiance over the University's intentions. Carl Chinn, well known local historian and ex-Birmingham University professor, who was himself made redundant by that university attended to show his support
The Vice chancellor, who is currently on a basic salary of £447,000 per year plus an £80,000 bonus, free accommodation and a bullet proof chauffeur driven car has demanded a real terms pay cut for his lowest paid workers. Over 100 senior managers at the University also receive six figure salaries. Unison are demanding an above inflation pay rise.
Members of other unions on site have already suffered similar attacks and the Socialist Party believes that joint action of all University unions is the most effective way of rolling back these attacks.
Unison are contemplating further strike days but these are not yet confirmed.
South West Birmingham Socialist Party Members
