As Stirling students prepare for reading week, universities are bracing themselves for the start of 14 days of strike action beginning on Monday. The University of Stirling is beginning its strike days a week later and today the Stirling Students’ Union has come out in support of those who plan to take action.
Union President Astrid Smallenbroek said: “The University of Stirling Students’ Union recognises the intention of the Universities and College Union (UCU) to undertake strike action from February 26 2018, in respect of proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
“We recognise that this is not a decision that UCU members have taken lightly and that previous attempts to avoid strike action have been unsuccessful. In line with Union policy, as decided by our members, the Students’ Union will be offering its full support to the UCU during the upcoming industrial action.”
Brigrecently reported that the members of the UCU had decided to strike due to serious changes to the pension deal for staff, which could see some lose out on up to £10,000 per year.
In an interview with Brig, Dr Derek Hodge said those new to the industry would be significantly affected. He added: “Someone who starts a career in their early 30s and retires at 67 will lose in the new scheme upwards of £200,000.”
The strike will cover 14 days, meaning just 16 days of teaching will take place after mid-semester reading week.
Smallenbroek added the Union will be working with both parties in the dispute to find a resolution.
She added: “Whilst we anticipate that the action will have a direct impact on the day to day teaching activity of the university, we expect that students will continue to be able to access university services such as the library, catering and student support services throughout the period of disruption.
“We have been assured that students will be informed, in advance through Canvas and the Student Portal, of any cancellations of classes.”
Smallenbroek encouraged students to get in touch about the strikes by emailing the Union via advocacy.union@stir.ac.uk.
The strike dates are as follows:
[…] straight away when the University and Colleges Union (UCU) announced that they would be taking industrial action regarding a proposed pension scheme. This saw Stirling lecturers, along with lecturers all over the […]
[…] statement was backed in a previous Brig article with Dr Derek Hodge stating: “For early career people, the effect will be horrendous. Someone who starts a career in […]