New figures show the pay package for the University of Birmingham’s leader grew six times higher than the 1.4% being offered to support staff, says UNISON today (Wednesday).
Latest university accounts show vice chancellor Adam Tickell received a 9% increase in his total pay benefits, while workers providing vital services are expected to cope with soaring bills on a fraction of that, the union says.
Staff want university bosses to think again about their “insulting” pay offer, particularly in light of the scale of Mr Tickell’s pay hike. Workers have already walked out for several days since the start of their pay dispute, but the university has refused to put forward an improvement.
They include catering, cleaning, security and library workers, who have consistently been given pay awards lower than cost of living rises. With the current rate of inflation at 3.4%, staff are effective being given a hefty pay cut, says UNISON.
The union says there must be a rethink from the university leadership and a return to negotiations to achieve a reasonable offer for support workers.
If the university fails to put forward a reasonable offer, the union will consider all options including further industrial action.
UNISON West Midlands regional organiser Jim Price said: “The lowest paid workers at the university receive an annual salary of just under £25,000, which is a far cry from Mr Tickell’s basic salary of £356,000 in 2025
“When the vice chancellor took over in 2022 he promised a different sort of leadership. After a couple of years in charge, it’s clear he’s out of touch with reality.
“Everyone knows the higher education sector in general has a big funding shortfall, but the University of Birmingham’s accounts show a fairly healthy financial picture.
“To offer what in reality is a pay cut is insulting, especially given the work pressures staff face on a daily basis. The size of the vice chancellor’s pay award is simply rubbing salt into that wound.
“If the university fails to better its offer to reflect the cost of living, the union will ballot staff with the possibility of further industrial action.”