UK university lecturers have launched a two-day strike over an unresolved pay dispute, amid warnings that other university staff could join the row.
Lecturers across the UK began the strike on Wednesday as they rejected the 1.1 percent pay rise offered by the Universities and Colleges Employer Association (UCEA).
The University and Colleges Union (UCU) said its members have suffered from pay cut of 14% over the past few years, noting that the limited pay rise for lecturers came as university leaders received large increases.
“A 1.1% pay offer is an insult to hardworking staff, especially in light of the 5% pay rise vice-chancellors have enjoyed while holding down staff pay,” UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said.
Hunt stressed that its members were not in favor of taking an industrial action that has impacts on students, but they have been left with no alternative.
“If the employers wish to see a swift end to this dispute, and avoid further disruption,…