Lecturers start strike action
LECTURERS have gone on strike at universities in Manchester and Salford in a row over pensions.
The action which began on Thursday kicks off a five-day walk out at the University of Manchester and the University of Salford.
More than 60,000 students are estimated to have lectures cancelled or disrupted as a result of the action.
Strikes are currently scheduled for the next four weeks until mid-March, but could be extended for another three months.
Academics claim they have been left with no option but to strike following a row over changes to their pensions. The universities’ representatives – Universities UK – are trying to change one element of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension scheme and UCU bosses claim this would leave a typical lecturer almost £10,000 a year worse off in retirement than under the current set-up.
The universities are among 64 institutions that will be hit with 14 days of strikes over the next four weeks if the dispute is not resolved. UCU regional official Martyn Moss said: “Nobody wants to take strike action, but staff feel they have no choice.
“These hardline proposals would slash staff pensions and are simply uncalled for. It is staggering that the universities have refused to engage with the union and a real insult to staff and to students. We hope students will continue to put pressure on the vice-chancellors to get their reps back round the negotiating table.”
Staff have gathered at picket lines near the entrances at both universities, including outside the Queen’s Arch entrance to the Whitworth Building on Oxford Road. The decision regarding the extension of the strike dates will be finalised at a national meeting on March 2.
If this is approved, it will mean a total of five months of paid university teaching time will be affected, including the cancellation of finalyear exams.
University of Manchester bosses said ‘there is no reason at this time to expect the main examination period, which runs from 30 April 2018 to 25 May 2018, to be affected.’