University staff are heading into day 3 of strike action following claims of unfair pay and pension schemes.
The strikes, which started on Monday, will last until Wednesday 4th December. Staff have been protesting at Poole Gateway from 8am everyday.
Today, the University and College Union (UCU) have formally invited Bournemouth University Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Vinney, along with BU’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Jim Andrews to visit the picket line to discuss their reasoning for going on strike.
BU UCU launched its local strike fund and it’s food bank for striking staff this week, after strikers claim many of them are not even making £10 an hour.
Those involved want to speak to the Vice Chancellor about equality at BU, specifically focusing on race and the gender pay gap. It has been claimed that female academics at BU and across the sector make 15% less than their male counterparts.
Also, it’s been said that BAME women make 9% less than their white counterparts across the sector, and are leaving BU because they cannot progress their careers.
They also wish to communicate concerns about increasing workloads.