Strike action over two weeks hits Strathclyde university in pension dispute
Unite blames management over ‘shameful’ attack on workers as university stockpiles £100m pension surplus
Strike action involving hundreds of Unite members at the University of Strathclyde in defence of their pensions over two weeks begins today (10 March).
The intensification in the pension dispute follows ‘cynical’ last-minute attempts by the university to row-back on its initial detrimental pension proposals.
The latest proposals by the university which included increases in one-off and ongoing pension contributions as part of the proposed transfer into an inferior superannuation scheme were overwhelmingly rejected by Unite members on Friday (7 March).
The striking workers are currently part of the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) with many standing to lose thousands of pounds if they are transferred out of the existing scheme into the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
Unite claims the move is a ‘shameful cash grab’ by the university to access a pension surplus despite the overall financial position being healthy and robust (see notes to editor on the university’s latest financials).
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is nothing but a shameful cash grab on the pensions of hard working and loyal workers some of whom have spent their whole working lives at the university.
“Our members have been left with no option but to take a stand and they will have Unite’s full support in their fight for pension dignity.”
Strike action will directly impact on cleaning and maintenance services along with the security of buildings and student residences. Trades staff taking strike action will directly lead to a lack of joiners, electricians and plumbers who deal with leaks, lighting and gas issues in university buildings.
Technicians involved in strike action will further impact on student learning in labs.
Alison MacLean, Unite regional coordinating officer, said: “Cleaners, plumbers and security staff are all having to strike to protect their hard earned retirement. Contrast these dedicated workers with the extremely well paid people in Strathclyde university’s management team scheming to ram through these detrimental proposals.
“Make no mistake our members stand to lose thousands of pounds in their retirement. Yet this attack doesn’t need to happen. Overall Strathclyde university has a robust and healthy financial position. The management team is attacking some of its poorest paid workers while exorbitant executive pay remains untouched. Unite will not accept this and we will fight these proposals every step of the way.”
