Imperial staff vote for strike action amid pay dispute
Imperial argued that a higher pay offer is unaffordable but UCU has disputed this, and underlined the university's ‘healthy financial position’
Register to get 1 more free article
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Imperial College London staff have voted to take industrial action in a dispute over pay and conditions, according to the University and College Union (UCU).
The move comes as a ballot saw 77% of participating staff back strike action, in what was a turnout of 59%.
The dispute centres on management’s refusal to increase its below inflation 2% pay award.
UCU said that when consulted, members of UCU, Unison and Unite voted to reject the move.
It comes as the latest Bank of England estimates are that CPI inflation will be approximately 4% by the end of 2025. Taken cumulatively with recent sub-inflation pay awards, the union said management is imposing a real terms pay cut of nearly 9% compared to 2018.
Imperial argued that a higher pay offer is unaffordable but UCU has disputed this, and underlined the university’s “healthy financial position”, including “unusually” large reserves and a £81m operating surplus.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “’With an in-year surplus of over £80m Imperial cannot claim it is unable to afford to pay its staff a fair wage. Staff are the lifeblood of the university and deserve a proper salary.
“Strike action is a last resort for our members, but this yes vote shows they have had enough and are prepared to fight back. We call on the university to look again at its refusal to increase its pay offer and work with us to find a constructive path forward, or face disruption on campus at the start of the new term.”