Nick McKerrel: “Our strike on Tuesday is about fair pay in Higher Education”
ON Tuesday 23rd October, Members of the EIS employed in Higher Education will be striking. At the request of the Caledonianunion blog, Dr Nick McKerrell Convenor of the Combined Unions at Caledonian and the EIS branch sent a message to all staff at GCU:
“Our strike on Tuesday is about fair pay in Higher Education. Over the last four years staff have accepted meagre increases recognising the economic situation that we all find ourselves in (although not because of anything we have done). These sub-inflation pay offers has meant that staff have taken pay cuts of around 12% : for a lecturer at the top of the scale that amounts to a loss of £5000!”
“Meanwhile senior University Management across the sector have pocketed inflation busting bonuses and continue to jet around the world. Research released by the EIS this week shows that Scottish University have millions in reserve but will not put a decent offer for pay on the table for staff.”
“The STUC’s campaign against cuts in public spending states there is a better way – never has that phrase been more true for Higher Education and recognising the contribution of ordinary staff”
There will be a picket line at the main gates from 8am. Although all the other unions at GCU are in dispute over pay they are not taking strike action at the moment. But the local EIS branch would like to invite fellow union members to come along to a lunchtime rally at the main gates of the University at 12 noon.
Use your lunch hour time to come along to the rally and show your support for striking colleagues – they will be really happy to see you.
All the best
Nick
Dr Nick McKerrell
Convenor of Glasgow Caledonian Combined Union Committee and EIS/ULA branch.
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