Cambridge University Press Unite members reject two per
cent pay offer - again
17 February 2011
Publishing staff at Cambridge University Press – members of
Unite, the largest union in the country - have voted again to
reject a pay offer of two per cent.
Unite regional officer, Steve Ireland said: ‘Members first
rejected the offer at the end of December. However, last month
management disputed the result and have since refused to move
forward with the agreed negotiating process.’
‘During this time, several union members complained of having
been approached by at least one member of the management pay
negotiation team to ask which members of staff had been present at
the union meeting in December, and how many had voted.’
‘In addition, management have put on hold any career performance
salary increments and have stated they will do so until the pay
discussions are resolved. Such a move has been widely viewed as an
attempt to divide staff and pressurise union members into accepting
a deal they rejected.’
Unite said that CUP’s annual report for 2010 shows that the
organisation is doing well, with a net contribution (profit) of
over £5.3 million. The latest five-year business plan lays clear
the Press’s intention to increase that figure approximately
fivefold by 2015.
Steve Ireland said: ‘Many staff in both the private and public
sector feel their pay, pensions and conditions are being squeezed
as employers take advantage of the economic downturn to hold down
costs in order to boost profits.’
‘The latest rejection by CUP Publishing staff confirms that
members believe the two percent pay award is inadequate.’
‘This is especially true as living costs are soaring, with the
Retail Price Index for January 2011 hitting 5.1 per cent, and given
that publishing staff received no cost of living award for
2010.’
‘Due to management’s intransigence, the union agreed to
re-ballot its members in publishing in order to break the stalemate
and move the negotiating process forward.’
‘Now that the original rejection of the offer has been
confirmed, we fully hope management will abide by the recognised
process, and get back round the negotiating table with the union to
reach a fair settlement for staff.’
world renowned organisation.
-ends-
Note to news editors:
For further information, please contact Unite communications
officer, Shaun Noble on 07768 693940
