UCU to ballot members on new strikes over employers’ USS deal

Employers, represented by Universities UK, struck a deal with the USS trustee in February ostensibly bringing to a close the long-running dispute over the outcome of the 2020 valuation, and warding off threatened contribution rate hikes widely deemed unaffordable.

Employers pledged an enhanced covenant support package and a moratorium on scheme exits as part of their deal, though the UCU argued that the proposals amounted to cuts of as much as 35 per cent to a “typical lecturer’s” benefits, something UUK disputed.

The union put forward its own alternative solution, but this was dismissed by employers. UCU members have just completed their second round of industrial action in response to the dispute, and the union is now threatening a third, with the new ballots considering strike action and action short of strike.

The UCU has announced a further five days of strike action covering the periods March 21-25 and March 28 to April 1, which will see more than 50,000 staff walk out over the pensions dispute, as well as an ongoing battle over pay and working conditions.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Vice-chancellors are refusing to withdraw devastating cuts to pensions and continue to ignore reasonable staff demands for better pay and working conditions.

“This intransigence has left those who work in our universities with no choice but to reopen ballots across the UK.

“Many campuses have already seen up to 13 days of strike action so far this academic year, and they face another five-day long walkout in the coming weeks.”

Grady continued: “Successful re-ballots could see this action extended throughout the rest of the calendar year and include a marking and assessment boycott, which could prevent universities being able to award degrees — bringing the sector to a standstill.”