Latest editorial
University and College Union (UCU) workers and supporters on a picket line at Queens University Belfast
HIGHER EDUCATION unions have slammed delays to pay talks as “unacceptable” after bosses claimed that they were “not yet in a position” to present an offer for 2022-23.
In a statement on Tuesday, five unions, who are part of the joint negotiating committee for higher education staff (JNCHES), condemned the failure of the Universities and Colleges Employer’s Association (UCEA) to table a concrete proposal last week.
Unison, the University and College Union (UCU), Unite, GMB and the Educational Institute of Scotland said that bosses have had more than a month to consider their “fully evidenced” pay claim, which was submitted at the end of February.
Almost half of universities face deficits, merger mania is taking hold, and massive fee hikes that will lock out working-class students are on the horizon, write RUBEN BRETT, PAUL WHITEHOUSE and DAN GRACE