Support staff at the University of Birmingham are being balloted for strike action from today (Tuesday) over an unacceptable pay offer, says UNISON.
Support staff provide vital services across the university, such as catering, cleaning, security and libraries, the union says.
The workers keep the university running and ensure a positive experience for students, staff and anyone visiting the campus, but have been offered a wage rise which brings the lowest paid to just £13.06 an hour, says UNISON.
It means many are seeing their income fall further behind the cost of living while the pressure of their jobs continues to grow, says the union.
UNISON West Midlands regional officer Jim Price said: “These workers provide essential services that keep the university going day after day. While pay is at the heart of the dispute, employees are also struggling with heavier workloads.
“Improvements to working hours and pensions were promised a year ago but have yet to materialise.
“The University of Birmingham must show goodwill by bringing in the changes staff were told would happen.
“A poor pay offer has pushed morale to a new low. University managers should step up and resolve these issues now.”