Staff accept new offer after nearly 3 months of strike action

Unite members at the Institute of Cancer Research are returning to work today on a wave of celebration after they secured a historic pay settlement.

Workers across the Institute had taken nearly three months of continuous 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 some staff barely above the London Living Wage. In addition, plans to downgrade the workplace pension scheme have been scrapped and the much-missed staff canteen is to be reinstated.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham 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 perform roles in scientific research, laboratory support, and site management had been offered just 3.75 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 added:

"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”