Thousands of staff, from professors to porters, will walk out for the day on November 14, disrupting teaching and even closing some universities in the capital. An estimated 120,000 students are likely to be affected.
The results of three separate ballots held by unions representing academic and support staff were published yesterday. Members of the Association of University Teachers voted 74.8% for a strike, the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education 73.9%, and Unison 70.4%.
Unions want the London weighting - frozen for 10 years - increased to £4,000. Staff at the University of London receive £2,134, while staff in post-1992 universities can earn £603 to £2,355.
London teachers in the National Union of Teachers and the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers will also strike over London allowances on November 23, after a one-day stoppage last March.
Sally Hunt, general secretary of the AUT, said: "During the last 10 years house prices in the capital have increased by 155%, and yet London weighting has been frozen."
Paul Mackney, general secretary of Natfhe, added: "Staff in London are united in demanding an allowance that reflects their value to the life of London and its economy - and the true cost of living in the capital.
"Along with the teachers' ballot, it is clear the whole of education in London needs more support."
Lynnette Savings, Unison's regional head of higher education, said: "By joining with other university unions, the campaign for £4,000 London weighting has gained real momentum."
