Support staff in UNISON at Birmingham University struck solidly today in the first of 2 days of strike action over low pay.

Over 100 members turned out in the rain to take part in protests and pickets from 5am. They gave out over 5,000 leaflets to potential students visiting the University. The leaflets argued for a pay rise for support staff who earn as little as £13,200 a year compared to the Vice Chancellor’s £419,000 salary. They also argued for freedom of speech and protest by students after the University was condemned by Liberty and Amnesty for taking out an injunction against students occupations for free education.

Students, including newly elected student union officers, joined UNISON members in a show of unity between students and staff.

In a packed standing room only rally, speakers from UCU, NUT, the student union, Birmingham City councillor Josh Jones and Georgia Mylonaki from Greece brought solidarity.

Messages of support to mattraine@birminghamuniunison.org.uk

Click here for more on the strike