University’s disappointment at UCU industrial action ballot

The University has issued the following statement expressing its disappointment at the UCU decision to ballot its members for industrial action.

The University of Leeds is a participant in the national bargaining arrangements that negotiate pay annually for all non-clinical staff in universities.  This process involves five trade unions including UCU, Unison and Unite.

UCU has now commenced the process of balloting its members nationally for industrial action in relation to the 2016/17 pay round. It has made this decision despite the fact that only one of the three scheduled negotiating meetings has so far taken place, and despite the fact that the employers' side has made it clear that the offer made is an initial opening offer and that negotiations will continue.  

This decision to go to a premature ballot in advance of a final offer and while negotiations are still at an early stage is very concerning, and undermines the national collective bargaining arrangements to which this university, and its trade unions, are signatories.

We are pleased that the other trade unions remain committed to the process, and we have written to UCU to express our disappointment and concern with the approach it is taking so early in the formal process.

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