Imperial staff vote for strike action in pay and conditions row

The decision follows a ballot in which 77% of participating staff backed strike action, on a turnout of 59%. 

The dispute centres on management's refusal to increase its below inflation 2% pay award. When consulted, members of all three recognised unions (UCU, Unison and Unite) voted to reject it. 

The latest Bank of England estimates are that CPI inflation will be approximately 4% by the end of 2025. Taken cumulatively with recent sub-inflation pay awards, management is imposing a real terms pay cut of nearly 9% compared to 2018. 

Imperial has argued that a higher pay offer is unaffordable. But UCU disputes this, pointing to the university's healthy financial position, including unusually large reserves and a £81 million operating surplus. Unlike many other institutions facing financial pressures and job losses, Imperial is in a strong position and is even planning further expansion. 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'With an in-year surplus of over £80m Imperial cannot claim it is unable to afford to pay its staff a fair wage. Staff are the lifeblood of the university and deserve a proper salary. 

'Strike action is a last resort for our members, but this yes vote shows they have had enough and are prepared to fight back.  We call on the university to look at again at its refusal to increase its pay offer and work with us to find a constructive path forward, or face disruption on campus at the start of the new term.'