Imperial college cleaners and security staff to strike over pay

Over 200 workers at Imperial College London will strike this week over pay.

Unite members which include cleaners, technicians and maintenance and security staff will walkout on Wednesday November 30 over a “derisory” 3.3% pay offer.

The union said more strikes will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Imperial College can absolutely afford to put forward a proper pay rise to these workers, who are struggling with rocketing living costs in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

“Unite will never fail to defend our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and our Imperial College members will receive the union’s unwavering support in their fight for a fair pay rise.”

The dispute also involves members of the University and Colleges Union (UCU) employed at Imperial College, although it is not part of the wider higher education strike action involving the University and Colleges Employers Association.

Unite national officer for education, Andrew Murray, said: “Strike action will undoubtedly cause disruption for Imperial College’s students and research.

“But this dispute is entirely of the university’s own making because it has offered a significant real terms pay cut during the worst cost of living crisis for generations.

“Imperial College needs to table an offer our members can accept.”

LondonWorld has contacted Imperial College for comment.