Hundreds of workers at University of Cambridge to strike for four days in pay row
More than 450 workers at the University of Cambridge are expected to take part in four days of strike action in a row over pay.
Staff in the University Library, the Department of Engineering, estate management, the Fitzwilliam Museum, information services and other departments would be among those walking out, according to the union Unite.
The strikes are scheduled for October 24 and 26, and on November 1 and 7.
Unite says the essential workers are unhappy over a “real terms” pay cut. They have been offered an increase of between five and six per cent, but the union says that with the retail price index (RPI) sitting at nine per cent, this represents a cut in pay in real terms.
Its members are demanding an above-inflation rise to help them cope with the cost of living crisis in one of the most expensive parts of the country to live outside of London.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “For over a decade, Cambridge University has been offering below inflation pay rises and our members have had enough. It might be a prestigious university, but that doesn’t put food on the table or pay the bills of essential workers doing vital roles across the university.
“Our members will have the full support of Unite as they stand up to their employer and demand a fair pay deal.”
Unite regional coordinating officer Ian Maidlow added: “Our workers are being forced to take this action in response to the continued real-terms pay cuts by one of the richest education establishments in the country.
“This strike action will bring substantial disruption to services for students and staff including building closures. I’d urge the university to come back to the negotiating table with a better offer worthy of our members’ hard work.”
Unite pointed out that the university - ranked the fifth-best in the world in the World University Rankings 2024 - had an income of more than £2.2 billion, assets of more than £6.6billion and an operating surplus of £120million, according to its 2022 accounts.
The university declined to comment.
