Industrial Action Factsheet
UCU, has formally confirmed to us that they have called for further strike action on 26th to 29th May 2015 for
their members within the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work & Social Sciences and 1st to 5th June 2015
for their members within Marketing & Student Recruitment. UCU have called this strike in support of two
employees who the University made redundant in December 2014. The University had been trying to resolve
the matter with the individuals concerned and it was disappointing that UCU began the ballot process whilst
these discussions were ongoing. These individual issues will not be resolved through industrial action and
they are already subject to due legal process which will lead appropriate settlements/awards.
We understand, from information provided by UCU, that the strike action is being supported by 27% of total
members within the University of Salford.
Answers to frequently asked questions are set out below:
Do I have a right to take industrial action?
We fully acknowledge and respect your legitimate right in law to take strike action but we will still always ask
you to consider carefully the impact of such action on our students.
Whilst strike action is an authorised unpaid absence, this would cease to be the case should you fail to notify
us of your strike participation subsequent to 26th to 29th May 2015 or 1st to 5th June 2015.
Do I have to officially notify anyone that I am intending to take industrial action?
No, you do not. There is no requirement or obligation upon you to notify your manager that you are intending
to take industrial action of any kind. You are obliged to notify the University when you have taken action by
emailing Human Resources at HRIA@salford.ac.uk and attaching the strike action notification proforma
available HERE if you were on strike 26th to 29th May 2015 or HERE if you were on strike 1st to 5th June 2015.
Will I lose pay if I take industrial action?
Any member of staff participating in strike action will have their pay deducted by the University for each day of
strike action at the rate of one day's pay. This is calculated as 1/260 of the annual salary.
We have made available a salary scale for grades 1 to 10 which will indicate what the deducted pay will be for
1/260th of annual salary (part time staff will need to adjust their annual salary level accordingly)-you can access
this by clicking here.
The withholding of pay is without prejudice to any other right or remedy of the University, including any claim
for damages for breach of contract
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If I go on strike, will my pension contributions be affected?
USS /LGPS/TPS Members
Strike action is an unpaid absence and will not count as service for pension purposes. However, following the
action, USS and LGPS members can choose to make up the pensionable service by making employee and
employer contributions and you do not need to make this decision until after the day of action. Subsequent to
26th to 29th May 2015 or 1st to 5th June 2015, when you notify HR Central Services of strike action taken, you
can at the same time confirm your choice to retain pensionable service and your commitment to make both
employee and employer pension contributions.
We have made available a salary scale for grades 1 to 10 which will tell you what the employee/employer
deductions would be for USS you can access this by clicking here.
LGPS members should visit the following website: http://www.gmpf.org.uk/members/timeoff/strike.htm in
order to access an online calculator. You will need to input your salary amount lost and some personal details
to determine your pension contribution due. If you then want to proceed with the payment, you will need to
complete an application form available from the website and Email to the University Pensions officer at
pensions@salford.ac.uk
If you have any questions about the potential implications of taking industrial action on your pension you
should approach either your trade union or the University’s Pension Officer.
TPS members do not have the option to make up pension contributions.
Am I able to book annual leave during a day of strike action or work from home?
Applications for annual leave which span the industrial action will only be approved by managers if they are
sure that services can be maintained and the same principle will apply to any working from home requests.
If I do not cross a picket line, will I be paid?
Should you choose to not cross a picket line, you must contact your manager immediately as this will be
treated as an ‘unauthorised absence’ and pay will be withheld.
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