DURHAM University has responded to the news that some staff at the university will strike for three days from today in a ‘stand-off’ over pay and working conditions.

It was announced this morning that staff who are part of the University and College Union (UCU) at the historic university will be on strike, with picket lines to be held on each of the three strike days, from today until Friday.

This strike action in Durham will be coordinated with other university staff across the UK, including in York, Leeds and Cambridge.

READ MORE Durham University staff to strike over wage and pension dispute

To resolve the pay and working conditions dispute, the UCU is demanding a £2,500 pay increase for all staff, as well as action to tackle unmanageable workloads, pay inequality and insecure contracts that blight the sector.

UCU general secretary, Jo Grady, has described its members as getting “the bare minimum” currently – something that she wants to see a change in Durham and across the UK.

However, Durham University has now waded into the debate about strike action – stating that they’re “disappointed” that the UCU has chosen to turn to industrial action, and the impact this will have on staff and students.

The Northern Echo: Strike action is scheduled at Durham University from today until Friday.Strike action is scheduled at Durham University from today until Friday.

In a statement released this morning, a spokesperson for the university said: “We fully understand that the outcome of the 2021 pay negotiations and the proposed changes to USS are important issues that concern many of our staff.

“We are aware that the decision to vote in favour of industrial action at Durham has not been taken lightly. However, we are disappointed by this outcome given the impact this will have on our students, many of whom may have been impacted by the last round of industrial action and/or the pandemic.

“Our key objective is, as far as possible, to ensure our students can achieve their learning outcomes and maintain their access to learning.

The Northern Echo: Durham University has waded into the strike action - saying they're "disappointed" with UCU's decision. Durham University has waded into the strike action - saying they're "disappointed" with UCU's decision.

“Pay and pensions are subject to national negotiations, and as one of many employers, we have limited influence over the outcome.

“No one wants to see a reduction in future pension benefits, but even with the proposed changes, we think the USS will continue to be a very good pension relative to other schemes.”

Alongside strike action, Durham University has confirmed that if no agreement is made by February 28, 2022, the Pension Regulator has made clear that contributions will rise steeply to ensure the scheme is viable.

READ MORE Union at coronavirus-hit university prepares to ballot ‘scared’ staff

The spokesperson continued: “Indeed, as a university, we are currently paying more into the USS pension scheme than ever before.

“Turning to pay, the 2021 national pay settlement was at the limit of affordability for many institutions.

“In addition to the pay settlement, the University has continued to reward academic and professional service colleagues with merit and discretionary awards for excellent and outstanding service throughout the pandemic.

“Our wider benefits structure remains highly competitive, and we regularly review and improve our employee benefits and practices to ensure we remain a responsible and attractive employer for our staff. 

“Where there is a need to make improvements to our employee benefits and practices at Durham, we will continue to do so, and our joint work with UCU on casualisation is an example of this.”

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