On the go: Staff at 26 universities will take part in a marking boycott and strike action following the latest escalation of the ongoing Universities Superannuation Scheme pensions dispute.
The decision to couple the boycott with another bigger boycott over pay and working conditions — affecting 42 institutions in total — was taken by delegates at a meeting of the University and College Union’s special higher education sector conference on April 26.
Delegates also voted in favour of 10 days of strike action at 40 of the universities.
Industrial action is part of the ongoing dispute regarding the 2020 valuation process that UCU claims cuts benefits by up to 35 per cent.
Of the 41 universities that were facing a boycott over pay and conditions, 26 now also face a boycott over pensions.
The Institute of Development Studies is the only institution to face a boycott solely over pensions. The boycott will see staff refuse to complete any marking and assessment of work, which could result in students being left without grades and some unable to graduate.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “UCU members have had enough of senseless and vindictive attacks on their pensions.
“Vice-chancellors could resolve these disputes tomorrow and prevent any more disruption for staff and students. Until then the union’s full weight is behind every member who is taking this action as it is the only way to secure the long-term future of the sector.”
She added: “Our members choose to work in higher education because they are passionate about working with students. They don’t want special treatment, but fair treatment. Sadly, vice-chancellors remain intent on stealing from the retirement funds of their own workforce.”
So far this academic year, university staff have taken up to 15 days of strike action over the pensions dispute, alongside action short of striking that consists of working to contract and not taking on additional duties.
A Universities UK spokesperson said USS employers had made clear that current contributions are at “the very limit of affordability”.
However, the universities’ employer body has asked the USS trustee to provide a fuller update on the funding position as of March 31 2022, which it understands will be available in late May.
The spokesperson said: “Universities have procedures in place for ensuring that students are not disadvantaged and will continue to progress.
“The 2020 USS valuation is over, the necessary changes implemented, and the outcome filed with the Pensions Regulator. Any further industrial action on this by a minority of UCU branches and members would therefore be unproductive, which the union’s general secretary has recognised.”
They added: “Employers are focused on the future, including improving the scheme by developing lower-cost options for members, considering alternative scheme designs, and conducting a thorough governance review of USS with independent, external expertise.”
