Over 500 Cambridge University Staff Strike for Cost of Living Pay Supplement

Over 500 University of Cambridge staff strike demanding a pay supplement to match Oxford's, citing high living costs and university wealth. The university offers a 2.5% supplement but no equivalent weighting payment.

University of Cambridge Staff Strike Over Pay Supplement

More than 500 workers at the University of Cambridge are participating in a strike, demanding the introduction of a "Cambridge weighting" pay supplement similar to that provided to equivalent staff at Oxford University, according to the union Unite.

The strike involves library, museum, finance, and IT staff, among others, with action planned over two days and an additional strike scheduled for next week.

Union Statement and University Response

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated:

"Cambridge University is exceptionally wealthy and can more than afford to provide a fair wage for its lowest-paid workers and introduce a local pay supplement as Oxford University has."

A spokesperson for the University of Cambridge expressed regret over the strike action and emphasized the institution's commitment to maintaining open and constructive dialogue with staff.

Cost of Living and Pay Comparisons

Unite highlighted that Cambridge, like Oxford, is among the most expensive cities in the UK, with rental costs approximately 30% above the national average. The union asserted that Cambridge University has the financial capacity to implement a weighting supplement.

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In 2024, Oxford University introduced a pensionable weighting of £1,500 per year. Last year, Oxford increased this payment by 15% to £1,730 and extended it to all non-clinical staff, according to Unite.

By contrast, Cambridge staff have not received an equivalent payment, aside from a 2.5% interim supplement. Unite noted that this interim payment does not adequately address the cost of living challenges faced by lower-paid employees and could be withdrawn at any time.

The university spokesperson commented:

"We understand the challenges around cost of living, and have introduced several measures in response, including a supplement of 2.5% of basic pay for employees on lower pay grades, raising the minimum starting salary for research assistants and increasing paid family leave."