University workers strike amid wage minimize row over marking boycott
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niversity workers are on strike after a union claimed their employer mentioned wages can be minimize by half in response to a boycott.
Staff at Edinburgh University collaborating within the University and College Union’s (UCU) marking and evaluation boycott can have their wages deducted by 50%, although administration may deduct 100% of earnings, the union mentioned.
Workers on strike on Friday staged demonstrations in Edinburgh’s Bristo Square, George Square in Glasgow, and outdoors the college’s Nucleus constructing.
The UCU additionally introduced there can be extra strikes all through the brand new educational yr, with 10 days of walkouts to happen in September.
In April, the UCU renewed its industrial motion mandate, permitting strikes to be referred to as for an additional six months.
The last item workers wish to do is take industrial motion, however over 10 years of pay being held down and worsening circumstances has left us with no choice
The marking and evaluation boycott started on April 20, because the UCU hit out at what it described as “a real-terms pay cut, working conditions including increasing casualisation, pay gaps and unmanageable workloads”.
Edinburgh UCU department spokeswoman Sophia Woodman mentioned: “Edinburgh University has just under £2.5 billion worth of reserves.
“This university and the sector can afford to pay staff enough to support themselves through this cost-of-living crisis.”
“The last thing staff want to do is take industrial action, but over 10 years of pay being held down and worsening conditions has left us with no option.
“Edinburgh principal Peter Mathieson should stop trying to circumvent lawful industrial action short of strike and join the increasing number of vice-chancellors calling for new, meaningful talks to resolve the dispute.
“Our branch is ready and willing to issue a joint statement with our employer calling for the reopening of negotiations.”
The college mentioned it intends to pay full pension contributions for the workers on strike, which means that though wages can be deducted, they’ll nonetheless keep full pension advantages.
A University of Edinburgh spokesperson mentioned: “Participation in the marking and assessment boycott is considered partial performance of contract, particularly at this time of year, and varying deductions are being made by institutions across the UK impacted by this action.
“Disappointingly, our efforts to seek a local resolution with UCU leadership have been rejected.
“Last month, we appealed directly to colleagues participating in this action and offered to return any withheld pay and cancel planned salary deductions if they agree to mark and assess all boycotted work by the end of July, prioritising students due to complete their programme this year.
“We are frustrated that UCU’s response has been to continue targeting students with further strike action.
“Pay and pensions are nationally negotiated, which is the system preferred by UCU.
“We are not able to make decisions in isolation without national compromise, though we endeavour to influence these negotiations where we can.
“We will continue to engage in conversations with UCU Edinburgh on other employment matters which are within our local control and where we can make improvements in the ways we support our staff at the University of Edinburgh.”