Universities across Wales face disruption as lecturers and
support staff stage a one-day strike over pay.
Unions claim some classes will be cancelled as thousands of
members of Unite, UNISON and the University and College
Union (UCU) take action.
The unions have rejected a pay offer of 1% which they say
represents a 13% pay cut in real terms since 2008.
The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA)
has said the offer is a good outcome for staff.
Unite Wales' lead officer for education, John Toner, said every
university in Wales would be affected by Thursday's action.
He added: "We intend to picket every university as well."
'Widespread anger'
Simon Dunn, Unison Wales higher education lead officer, said:
"None of the higher education [HE] institutions in Wales have
committed to ensure that their staff earn at least a living
wage.
"This is absolutely disgusting and I fail to see how paying
poverty pay can be justified, particularly when you take into
consideration the pay of the highest earners in HE.
"The pay gap between the highest and lowest paid within HE
has reached a ratio of 1 to 19 and is still rising."
UCU head of higher education Michael MacNeil said: "There is
widespread anger over the pay cuts staff have had to endure
in recent years and all the reports we are getting is that
Thursday's strike will be very well supported."
Strikes are due to take place across the UK.
'Naturally disappointing'
A UCEA spokesperson said repeated talks had been held with
the unions and "salary costs in most HE institutions will
actually rise by around 3% this year".
The spokesperson added: "Any industrial action is naturally
disappointing.
"However with less than 5% of staff voting to support this
strike, our institutions tell us that the vast majority of staff
understand the reality of the current environment and would
not wish to harm their institutions and especially their
students."
In a statement, Bangor University said: "This is a UK-wide
strike, and we understand the reasons for the action by the
trades union.
"We will however be doing all we can to ensure that students
are not adversely affected during this period."

Source: m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24747832