Academic support for renewed strike action swells
On the go: Up to 52 universities could now be affected by strike action if a dispute over the Universities Superannuation Scheme is not solved, after a reballot of institutions by the University and College Union.
Staff at 60 universities walked out in late 2019 over two disputes; one relating to pay and workloads, and the other involving increased member contributions to the £68bn USS. Forty-five workforces went on strike at least partly over pensions.
Negotiations over the scheme's 2020 valuation are ongoing, following the publication of a second report into potential routes forward by the mediating Joint Expert Panel.
In the meantime however, a further seven universities have voted to join any future strike action, with 14 institutions added across both issues.
The UCU's higher education committee will meet on Thursday to consider the results and discuss its next steps, after taking into account any progress in both disputes.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "UCU members at 74 universities could walk out this term. We have been clear from the outset that we are prepared to take serious and sustained action to defend pay and conditions, as well as our pensions, and these latest ballot results show that members are just as determined as ever."
In the ballot, 80 per cent of members backed strikes over pensions, while 76 per cent voted for strike action over pay and conditions.
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