Uni of Cambridge staff begin 3 day strike action
Union members say their pay doesn't reflect the cost of living in the city
Last updated 12th Mar 2024
Over 450 members of staff at the University of Cambridge are beginning three days of strike action today.
Cleaners, librarians and museum workers at the Fitzwilliam Museum say their pay does not reflect the wealth of the University, the cost of living in Cambridge and inflation.
It's part of a long running dispute between the education institute and union.
READ MORE HERE: Cambridge University staff on strike in pay row.
Unite says their research has found the University "is sitting on over £6 billion of cash and investments while trying to maintain it can’t afford to help its lowest paid workers."
It added: "Some are being paid less than £23,000 per year yet live and work in one of the most expensive parts of the country".
Their members are requesting an extra £5,000 a year, and say the University has told them they cannot afford the £75million this would cost.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“Cambridge University is one of the richest education institutions in the UK and has billions of pounds at its disposal.
"Yet rather than help its lowest paid workers with the cost of living in one of the most expensive cities in the UK it is fiddling while Rome burns."
What impact will this have on the University?
According to the University website, the dispute affects the University and its departments only, not the Colleges.
The University Library plans to be open from 9:30am to 7pm.
The Rare Books fetching service won't be available on the strike days, but readers will be able to consult pre-ordered material in the Manuscripts Reading Room.
The Map Room will be closed from 10.15 to 12.30 on Tuesday 12th March.
The Psychology Library may be unstaffed but will remain open for access.
The Plant Sciences Library may be unstaffed but open to those with existing card access.
The English Faculty Library plans to be open but closing at 5pm.
College libraries are not directly affected by the industrial action
People are being advised to order, find or reserve any material needed in advance on strike days, and to check ahead on specific services before a planned visit.
We have approached the University for comment.