Update on UCU ballots for industrial action
The results of recent ballots by the University and College Union (UCU) signal possible industrial action.
UCU ballots have now closed, and the results provide a national mandate for industrial action, related to disputes over pensions and pay.
We await UCU’s decision on its next steps. Our priorities are to protect the interests of our students, to retain the cohesion of our community, and to protect the standards of Leeds awards.
We understand that with the current economic climate these are difficult times for many of our staff and students, as they are for much of society, and we are taking positive action.
The University has been 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 ongoing 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 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 7.5%.
You can find more information on our industrial action and USS Pension In depth pages on For Staff.
We will continue to keep you updated and will publish FAQs shortly to help you prepare.