The university has received official notification from UCU that they plan to take strike action as part of the national dispute on the pay award for 2023/24. This is an aggregated strike action, which means that strike action is underway at universities across the sector following a majority YES vote.
For the purposes of pay negations, the University of Greenwich is represented by UCEA (Universities and Colleges Employers Association), who negotiate on behalf of universities and higher education colleges in the UK with the 5 sector trade unions.
The final offer for 2023-24 was a pay award of between 5% and 8% depending on the relevant spine point. The 2023-24 new JNCHES offer allowed for part of the pay award to be implemented on 1 February 2023 followed by the final allocation on 1 August.
Despite ongoing dialogue, UCU has decided to go ahead with strike action, which is disappointing, particularly in light of the impact on our new and returning students at the start of the academic year.
We will continue to work collaboratively through UCEA towards resolution. Further information is available on the UCEA website.
We are updating our page for students with related information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context for the strike action?
For the purposes of pay negotiations, the University of Greenwich is represented by UCEA (the Universities and Colleges Employers Association) who negotiate on behalf of universities and higher education colleges in the UK in national negotiations with five sector trade unions.
Pay discussions between UCEA and the recognised trade unions regarding the 2023/24 pay round, including dispute resolution process facilitated by Acas, have now concluded. The final offer made by UCEA of an uplift of between 5 and 8 percent, remains rejected by the trade unions.
Following UCEA advice, the Vice-Chancellor’s Group agreed to pay the uplift offered and details are provided below:
The overall 2023-24 uplift is as follows:
Spinal Column Points | Uplift |
3 to 5 | 8% |
6 to 14 | 7% |
15 to 25 | 6% |
26 and above | 5% |
A proportion of the overall uplift was paid from February 2023 as set out below:
Spinal Column Points | Uplift |
3 to 41 | £1,000 |
42 and above | 2% |
For staff on spinal column points 3 to 41, the uplift of £1,000 is greater than 2 per cent.
The first part of the pay award was implemented in the March 2023 payroll (backdated to 1 February 2023) and the relevant pay information was updated on the staff portal.
The remainder of the uplift for 2023-24 will be awarded from 1 August 2023. London weighting and HPL rates will also be uplifted accordingly.
Who should read these FAQs?
All staff should read these FAQs and note the content. It contains information about what will happen during industrial action and answers some of the most frequently asked questions. Additionally, if you intend to take part in industrial action, you should read this document because it contains information about your pay, pension and other entitlements on days when you take part in industrial action.
Managers are asked to ensure that this information is circulated to staff who do not have access to email or the portal.
Which Trade Unions are involved?
This industrial action has been organised by UCU.
When will strike action take place?
- Monday 25 September
- Tuesday 26 September
- Wednesday 27 September
- Thursday 28 September
- Friday 29 September
What steps is the university taking to minimise the disruption caused?
Senior leaders at the University are working on plans and arrangements to minimise the disruption to our students.
Do I have to notify the university if I intend to strike?
Faculty Operating Officers will write to staff in the categories identified in the notice of action, to ask them to confirm no later than 6th October 2023 whether or not they took part in strike action.
A failure to confirm by the deadline will be treated as an assumption that the member of staff participated in the action.
Do the university's policies and procedures still apply to employees who take part in industrial action?
The University's policies and procedures continue to apply to staff. Any employee who breaks the law and/or fails to comply with the University's policies and procedures (including but not limited to the Bullying and Harassment policy) during or following industrial action, may be subject to action under the University's disciplinary procedure.
How and when will my pay be withheld?
We expect that pay will be withheld from your October 2023 salary. For each day of strike action pay will be withheld on the basis of 1/365th. Any regular allowances employees would have been paid for that day will be adjusted at the same rate of pay (1/365th).
Where can I find more information?
The university has developed Industrial Action Guidelines which set out the arrangements that will be put in place across the university in the event of industrial action and help ensure it is handled fairly and consistently.
If your question isn't covered here, contact Rob Morris, Deputy Director of Human Resources, or get in touch by emailing strike.information@greenwich.ac.uk
