‘We are expecting a good turnout on the picket lines at universities and colleges of higher education across the country today,’ lecturers’ union Natfhe told News Line on the eve of the joint AUT/Natfhe national pay strike.
Thousands of lecturers and academic staff are striking in pursuit of their claim for a 23 per cent rise over three years.
Picket lines will be out from 7.30am this morning and lunchtime rallies are taking place in towns and cities across the UK.
In London, thousands are expected for a rally at Central Halls, Westminster at 1pm.
The NATFHE spokesman added: ‘Many lecturers have been angered by the false claims of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), that average lecturers’ salaries are £40,000 a year.
‘They are nowhere near that figure and the exaggeration has motivated members to join their picket lines with enthusiasm.
‘Academic pay has declined by 40 per cent over the past 20 years in comparison to equivalent professionals such as GPs.
‘This strike is about catching up.’
Goldsmith’s college AUT president Pamela Beevers told News Line yesterday afternoon: ‘We’ve just had a very successful branch meeting addressed by our national president Peter Mitchell.
‘We are well prepared for the strike tomorrow.
‘We will be on the picket line from 7.30am and we will go forward to our assessment boycott, which starts on Wednesday.
‘Members are very positive about the strike and hope it will shift the log-jam on academic and academic-related salaries.
‘Members are disappointed and angry. Money was promised by the government 18 months ago but it still hasn’t reached our members’ wallets.’
Goldsmith’s Students Union president Dave Charlesworth added: ‘The student body at Goldsmith’s college has passed policy in support of the AUT and NATFHE claim for higher pay.
‘A number of students will be joining the lecturers on the picket lines tomorrow.
‘We think it is important that they are paid what they were promised by the government.
‘It’s important for the future of higher education that lecturers are properly paid.’
Kat Fletcher, President of the National Union of Students (NUS), said: ‘NUS fully supports the AUT and NATFHE in their call for industrial action.
‘Promises were made by universities that an adequate pay deal would be reached for staff when top-up fees were introduced.
‘Whilst top-up fees will be coming into effect in September this year, no deal on pay has been reached despite considerable effort on the part of the unions.
‘NUS remains resolutely opposed to variable top-up fees, but recognises that they will remain for the duration of this Parliament.
‘We therefore demand that vice chancellors use the new funding, as they promised, for student bursaries, improved facilities and substantial staff pay increases across the board.
‘Just as we campaign for quality IT resources, investment in books or extended library opening hours, making sure that students are taught by valued and highly motivated staff is all part of ensuring a high quality education for our members.
‘That is why we at NUS stand by the AUT and NATFHE on their decision to take industrial action.’
