Bradford University is “named and shamed” today for docking staff a day’s pay for a two-hour strike.
The University and College Union has written to vice chancellor Professor Brian Cantor, urging him to “rebuild trust” with staff and make a U-turn on the decision.
Staff at the university took part in the action over salaries earlier this year.
Today the UCU names 26 universities that docked a day’s pay, claiming it was “unlawful.”
The dispute has since been resolved after staff were given a two per cent pay rise.
The union believes the universities should return staff their pay as an act of good faith. The letter to Prof Cantor says: “Earlier this year we informed you of our legal advice and of our view that deducting a full-day’s pay for a two-hour strike was unreasonable and disproportionate.
“Your institution was in the minority in threatening this. Others who initially threatened a full day’s deduction for a two-hour strike either did not make deduction at that level or have subsequently reviewed their position. After a dispute of this nature, I suggest this may require the rebuilding of the trust that has been damaged by your institution’s approach to pay deductions.”
Leeds College of Art is also named in the list, entitled “Worst Employers.”
UCU regional official Mark Oley said: “We have written to both the universities and told them to pay back the money taken. Their hard-working staff took industrial action in a legitimate attempt to reverse years of declining pay.
“To be treated so poorly by your employer leaves an incredibly bitter taste in the mouth. At the end of such a protracted dispute the
universities have this
opportunity to start to improve relations.”
The university said it would not comment.
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