UK. Universities face 14 days of strike action over pensions
Staff are angry at plans to change the Universities Superannuation Scheme from a defined benefit scheme, where they would have a guaranteed income in retirement – to a defined contribution scheme, where their pensions would be subject to changes in the stock market.
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.”
The union says it would be happy for talks to be extended to try to reach a deal.
Staff at 68 universities are members of the scheme which last year was reported to have a £17.5bn deficit – though the UCU says this figure is too pessimistic and artificially undervalues the scheme.
Read More: BBC News
