The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Universities challenged as union votes to strike
Students in Dundee and St Andrews could be affected in row over changes to staff pensions
Two universities in Courier Country are among those that could be affected by strike action.
Dundee and St Andrews universities may face staff walkouts after University and College Union (UCU) members voted overwhelmingly to support strike action in a row over pensions.
A total of 61 universities across the UK could be dealing with industrial action if a deal isn’t struck.
Potential changes to pensions covered by the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) has caused the upset.
The proposed changes by Universities UK (UUK) would transform pensions from a benefit scheme that gives a guaranteed retirement income to a contribution scheme where pension income is subject to changes in the stock market.
Some projections expect such changes could cost lecturers as much as 40% of their retirement funds.
Overall, 88% of members balloted voted to back strike action and 93% in favour of action short of walkouts.
UCU said its higher education committee met yesterday to discuss the results and plan a strategy for industrial action if talks about the future of the pension scheme fail.
A St Andrews University spokesman said: “We understand the strength of feeling of members of USS about potential changes to the national pension scheme that is reflected in the ballot result.
“We hope that industrial action can be avoided, but if it does take place the university will do all it can to minimise any adverse impact on our students, and we hope that UCU will take a similarly responsible stance.”
A St Andrews UCU spokesman said: “This vote gives a very strong mandate for industrial action to defend employees’ pension benefits.
“If a solution cannot be reached through the current negotiations, St Andrews will be joining universities across Scotland and the rest of the UK in escalating strike action.”
A Dundee UCU spokesman said: “Whilst strike action is always a last resort, we are very content with the overwhelming support of the membership in defending their hard-earned pension benefits.
“We hope that the message from our membership is understood by local management, UUK and USS in the forthcoming negotiations and they are willing to talk to resolve this dispute.”
A Dundee University spokesman said they were “aware of the result” and could not comment further until more details emerge.
An Abertay University spokesman said: “Abertay staff were not included in the ballot. Very few Abertay staff are members of the USS, as we provide access to other pension schemes.”
Sally Hunt, UCU general secretary, said: “Members have made it quite clear that they are prepared to take sustained strike action to defend their pensions.”
A UUK spokeswoman said: “The prospect of industrial action is disappointing as talks continue.
“A solution to the significant funding challenges facing USS needs to be found.”