Scientists win “life changing” pay increase

Unite members at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) are returning to work today (21 Sept) after they secured a historic pay settlement.

Last week Unite had highlighted the plight of skilled scientists and their colleagues, who work on lifesaving cancer research, at this years TUC Congress in Brighton – but today they are celebrating an historic victory.

Workers across the Institute had taken nearly three months of strike action in their fight for better pay and conditions. The lowest paid workers are now set to see a pay increase of up to 52 per cent.

Other staff will receive varying pay increases, all above the rate of inflation, after years of poor pay that had seen them paid barely above the London Living Wage. In addition, plans to scrap the workplace pension scheme have been dropped and the much-missed staff canteen is to be reinstated.

Throughout the strike staff from the ICR not only stayed strong together, but also showed solidarity with fellow workers in the health sector, and in July attended a picket line with estates workers at the South London & Maudsley (SLAM) NHS Foundation Trust sites who were on strike over equal pay.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, who in June had addressed striking workers at a rally in west London, said: “Hundreds of staff will return to work today with their heads held high in the knowledge that by unionising, standing strong together and being willing to fight for what was right and fair, they have won a historic pay settlement. 

“They should be congratulated and this should be a warning to any other employer in the sector who thinks they can get away with paying poverty wages – Unite is coming for you.”

The hundreds of staff at the ICR who performed roles in scientific research, laboratory support, and site management had been offered just 3.5 per cent at the start of the strike.

After tireless campaigning by members, supported by Unite’s organising team alongside Unite for a Workers’ Economy, they have been moved onto incremental pay scales with an average increase of 17.2 per cent over two years representing a cash value of over £8000.

Unite regional officer Will Searby said: “It’s no exaggeration to say that for many workers at the ICR, the pay increases involved in this offer will be life-changing. Every penny of this offer is thanks to these incredible members and their resolve, strength, and solidarity.”

“Strikers stayed the course for an incredible 68 days, and they deserve nothing less than what they have won. This result should send a message to every worker – the union makes us strong”

By Keith Hatch

Photo by Mark Thomas