450 Unite members working in Cambridge University library, the department of engineering, estate management, the Fitzwilliam Museum and information services will be taking strike action from Wednesday 31 January until Friday 2 February 2024.
The union says their members are taking to the picket line in an escalation of strike action over low pay.
They claim university authorities refuse to offer “a fair increase”.
Unite says that despite being one of the world’s most prestigious institutes of learning, the university “is trying to force through a real terms pay cut.
“Workers have only been offered an increase of between a five and six per cent increase.
“The pay award was due to come into effect in August last year when the real inflation rate (RPI) stood at nine per cent”.
Unite members, some of whom earn under £23,000 are calling for above inflation rises to cope with the cost of living in one of the most expensive parts of the UK outside London.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Cambridge University has been enforcing below inflation pay rises for too long and our members have had enough.
“It might be a prestigious university, but that doesn’t put food on the table or pay the bills of essential workers doing vital roles across the university.”
“Our members have the full support of Unite as they stand up to their employer and demand a fair pay deal.”
She said Cambridge University was ranked the third-best university in the world in 2023 and its last accounts show it has an income of over £2.2 billion, assets of over £6.6 billion and an operating surplus of £120 million.
Unite regional coordinating officer, Ian Maidlow, said: “Workers are being forced to take this action in response to the continued real terms pay cuts by one of the richest education establishments in the world.”
“This strike action will bring substantial disruption to services for students and staff including building closures.
“I’d urge the university to come back to the negotiating table with a better offer worthy of our members’ hard work.”
Staff at The Fitzwilliam Museum who are Unite members will join strike action in a protest over pay
