On the go: The Scottish government's higher education minister has spoken out against plans for University of Dundee staff to commence a third round of strike action over proposed changes to their pension arrangements.
Protests began last year over plans to move staff from a defined benefit to a defined contribution scheme, in a move unions say will affect around 900 members of staff and leave members 40 per cent worse off in retirement.
In November, the Scottish government’s higher education minister Jamie Hepburn urged the two sides to reach an agreement, as reported by the Daily Record.
On April 5, Unison confirmed that members who are eligible for the university’s DB scheme are going on strike.
Initial plans will see 300 members striking for seven days across the university’s exam period. There will be pickets every morning as well as a rally in Dundee on April 18.
There will then be a further three weeks of selective action, the union said.
“The university promised staff it would listen to feedback and consider ideas,” said Mo Dickson, Unison Scotland's regional organiser.
“Whilst they have decided not to close the scheme to everyone, our members will not accept the proposals on the table. The scheme will still close to new staff."
In response to Unison's latest announcement, minister Hepburn told Pensions Expert that "industrial action is in no-one’s interests".
"We expect the university and the unions to work together and make every effort to resolve these issues quickly and minimise disruption to students.”
A University of Dundee spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unison have moved to further industrial action despite progress made during the extensive dialogue that followed strike action last year.
“These discussions were very constructive and although the university and the unions did not reach full agreement on all elements, a competitive offer was made which presents existing scheme members with real choice and provides for a dignified retirement for all. This proposal was supported by the University Court and formal consultation will commence shortly.
“The industrial action covers the period leading up to and including examinations and will have a detrimental impact on our students at a crucial time in their education. We will do all we can to mitigate the impact on students.”
