UCU statement on latest pay talks

The statement came following the latest pay talks on Tuesday at which employers committed to consult their members on casualisation, workload and equality pay gaps, but confirmed they were still unwilling to discuss pay.

UCU general secretary, Jo Grady, said: 'It is incredibly frustrating that the employers won't deal with all the issues at the heart of this dispute. Staff are striking over workloads, casualisation, inequality and pay. Universities cannot simply ignore the pay element, and if they continue to do so then staff will continue to strike. 

'The employers' complacency has forced UCU members on to the picket lines. Universities had plenty of notice about the strikes and the issues at their heart, but have shown no urgency in their response. Students and their parents will rightly be angered if that intransigence forces members to take more action.

'The strength of the strikes so far should send a clear message that warm words and meagre promises to consult on workload, casualisation and equality simply won't cut it. We need a coherent offer from employers that deals with all the issues together, including pay.'