Sussex University among those taking part in strike action over pension changes

The University and College Union (UCU) has revealed the action is being taken against changes to their pensions.

Eighty-eight per cent of UCU members voted in favor of industrial strike action and 93 per cent backed action ‘just short of a strike’.

Education institutions that are part of the UCU are required to have a 50 per cent turnout so that the institution can take action.

Sixty-eight institutions took part in the ballot with only seven not achieving the 50 per cent turnout. Sussex University’s turnout was 61.7 per cent with 404 out of the 655 eligible electorate taking part in the voting. Out of the 404 that voted, 91.6 per cent voted yes to strike action.

Overall, 24,707 people in the UK voted and 21,685 voted in favor.

According to the UCU website: “Universities UK (UUK) wants to transform the scheme from a defined benefit scheme that gives a guaranteed retirement income to a defined contribution scheme where pension income is subject to changes in the stock market.”

The UCU claims that lecturers could lose £200,000 in retirement if the UUK plans were implemented.

February 22 is thought to be the expected day of industrial action and is expected to continue for 14 days.

UCU states: “The first strikes would most likely start with a two-day walkout on 22 and 23 February. The action would then escalate to three-day, four-day and five-day walkouts in future weeks.

“Universities, such as Imperial and Edinburgh, with a reading week when action begins, would be allowed to start their action at a different time to maximise impact.”

The union said it would review its action and consider the next steps after those initial strike days if the dispute had not been resolved.

UCU hopes that the ‘overwhelming mandate for strike action’ will focus universities’ minds, allowing more public pressure on the UUK to arrange and deal.

It says that strike action can be avoided all together with the UCU happy to talk to UUK to resolve the pensions issue.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “Universities will be hit with levels of strike action not seen before on UK campuses if a deal cannot be done over the future of USS pensions. Members have made it quite clear they are prepared to take action to defend their pensions and the universities need to work with us to avoid widespread disruption.

“Even at this late stage we urge universities to work with us to reach an agreement that protects the defined benefit element of USS pensions.”