Dear Member

Unison are asking you to take strike action on 3 December 2013 as, unfortunately, last minute talks that took place on November 26th between the Joint Unions and UCEA, the employers’ representatives, failed to resolve the Higher Education pay dispute. UCEA said the employers could not afford more than this even though their own accounts show differently. Universities appear to have plenty of money for improving facilities and increasing Vice Chancellors’ wages but not to pay our members a fair and affordable pay settlement.

As we have stated before, this strike is not just about our low paid members but about the annual attack that all our members have suffered on the value of their pay due to well below cost of living pay rises. We know that because of that it is not easy to take strike action but Unison, along with the other unions who are taking strike action, believe that if we do not take action now then this devaluation of our members wages will continue year after year.

Unison York St John branch members will be picketing university entrances between 8.00 and 12.00 on 3 December 2013. Please join us if you are able to. We will be meeting in front of the Fountains building just before 8am. If this is too early for you then please join us later at one of the entrances to the University. There has been an offer of tea and coffee from the Students’ Union.

Please support Unison in the fight for a fair and affordable settlement for all our members in Higher Education.

Best Wishes
Dave Thompson
York St John Unison Chair