UNISON, the UK's largest union, today announced that the unions representing professional, technical administrative and ancillary staff (PTAAS) in universities have rejected an offer of 6% over two years as inadequate.
The unions are asking for a substantial percentage increase for all staff with a flat rate element, including a minimum starting salary of £6.50 per hour, a maximum of 35 hours per week and a minimum of 25 days leave per year. They also want a £4,000 flat rate London Weighting Allowance as well as a joint statement clarifying and confirming the principles of equality and equal pay underpinning the recent re-grading agreement.
In addition to the 6% pay offer, the employers also offered money to increase pay for the lowest paid. The unions rejected the offer but agreed to continue negotiations on the substantive offer and on how pay can be improved for those on the lowest grade.
Christina McAnea, UNISON Head of Education and lead negotiator for the PTAAS unions said:
"Pay levels for these workers start at just £11,060 and we don't believe that 6% over two years is enough to address the serious problems of the low pay throughout the sector.
"Many UK universities continue to pay manual workers at barely above the National Minimum Wage, and it is completely unacceptable that these universities, some among the best in the world, have the lowest paid staff in the public sector.
"The PTAAS unions were disappointed that the employers refused to meet the AUT and Natfhe yesterday, as these unions would not suspend their industrial action.
"UNISON and the other PTAAS unions hope we can find a way to continue the negotiations with our colleagues in the academic unions."
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