Since last week’s update in MyGlasgow, the University and College Union (UCU) has announced that it is asking members to take part in 14 days of strike action over a four week period commencing on 22 February. This is in response to the potential reform of USS Pension benefits and follows a ballot of UCU members, which on a turnout of 57.4% provided a mandate for strike action and action short of a strike.

Last week, the UK-wide Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) decided to recommend closure of the existing defined benefits scheme and move to a defined contributions scheme only. Like the UCU, the University of Glasgow will continue to call for further discussions at national level to identify terms that are acceptable to all parties.

The University respects union members’ right to take industrial action but we will do all that we can to minimise the potential impact on our students, especially given the prolonged nature of the proposed action. Colleagues who are in the UCU – approximately 25% of academic and professional support staff – are therefore asked to consider carefully before deciding whether or not to participate in the strike days.

The University has already communicated a clear position on pensions. We would like to keep the best possible terms for staff and are prepared to support a modest increase in employer contributions.
We hope that a settlement can be agreed prior to the first planned strike date of 22 February, but will shortly be issuing advice and guidance for both line managers and staff on what to do in the event that industrial action goes ahead.

Dr David Duncan
Chief Operating Officer

First published: 30 January 2018

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