UNISON has announced its intention to take industrial action

Strike action relating to the issue of pay is to take place at several universities, including Leeds.

Six days of strike action is currently planned by UNISON, one of the recognised unions at the University.      

Our priority will be to minimise any disruption and to ensure we continue to communicate with colleagues about the issues at the heart of this action.    

As previously, our actions as a University community will be guided by three underlying principles. These are to:   

  • Protect the interests of students​   
  • Retain the cohesion of our community    
  • Protect the standard of Leeds degrees and other qualifications.   

Tackling the issues at Leeds   

We recognise these are difficult times for many of our staff and students, as they are for much of society, and we are taking positive action.  

Even before the rise in global cost of living pressures, the University was working constructively with our trades unions to address concerns about workload and casualisation, improve employment terms and support our lowest paid staff.  

This includes moving many staff from fixed-term to on-going employment contracts, reviewing how we employ hourly paid staff, and continuing to pay the voluntary living wage and apply service-related salary increments.  

Commitments to improve these areas are already firmly part of our strategic plans, as demonstrated by our Fairer future for all pledges.  

At a sector level, the nationally negotiated pay offer for 2022/23 provides for a far greater uplift for staff on the lowest pay scales – up to 9% in the coming year. 

You can find more information on industrial action on our in depth page

Planned action   

Six days of strike action is currently planned:   

  • Wednesday 28 September 
  • Thursday 29 September 
  • Friday 30 September 
  • Monday 3 October  
  • Tuesday 4 October 
  • Saturday 8 October