RHUL Lecturers Called to Action Over Pensions

Rosie Pentreath
Tuesday 11th October 2011

At a time when it seems impossible for higher education to be any more troubled, the UCU (University and College Union) has called for the lecturers of 67 of the UK’s leading universities, including Royal Holloway, to withdraw labour over sustained periods of time. Action is likely to focus on the marking of exam papers and admissions for the next academic year, affecting the progress of over one million current and prospective students. Voting in a UCU ballot 77% of members voted YES to ‘action short of a strike’, whilst 58% were discontented enough to vote YES to ‘full strike action’. A “major programme of sustained and disruptive industrial action” has been threatened by the UCU as the disagreement fails to find a resolution.

The dispute arose after the University Superannuation Scheme (USS – the second largest private pension scheme in the UK) made unpopular changes to pension plans. Changes due to come into effect in October require members to make higher payments into their pensions, whilst a cap has been placed on protection from inflation. New members are to be granted smaller pensions and those made redundant will receive reduced pensions. Lecturers from Royal Holloway and many other universities will be affected.

The changes are described as ‘draconian’ by representatives of the UCU who argue that such severe cuts are not necessary for financial maintenance of the scheme. Indeed a document produced in July reveals that “the scheme is likely to be around 98% funded” and that the deficit is expected to be lower than was [originally] predicted. With near-full funding secured, the pension scheme appears to have little change to make to maintain a good service. However, employees of the USS contest that the company will in fact suffer from a £1 billion deficit, and that this has to be covered by its trustees.

Consequently, disruption looms as lecturers feel they are being treated unfairly. Education could hardly escape from the financial restraints of the recession and such discontent has become all too familiar. The highly unpopular tuition fee rise proposed by the coalition at the end of 2010 prompted widespread demonstrations, including those in London that involved an attack on the car of Charles and Camilla. Now it’s the turn of the lecturers to react. Sally Hunt, general secretary of UCU stated: “Industrial action is always a last resort for educators and we will work closely with students to minimise problems where possible. However, the nature of any industrial dispute means disruption and there will be widespread and sustained
disruption unless USS is prepared to return to the negotiating table”. The University and Colleges Employees Association (UCEA) has stood against the proposed UCU disruption, stating: “The changes to the scheme were approved by the USS Trustee Board, which includes UCU representation. They are moderate by any standards and include the retention of a final salary pension for all existing USS members”. It appears as though the UCU is calling for action that is disproportionate to the pension changes proposed. Students of Royal Holloway and other UK universities may experience the consequences of the lecturers’dissatisfaction in the coming year that are viewed by some as simply unwarranted.

3 Comments on “RHUL Lecturers Called to Action Over Pensions”

Kieran Miles, Library Staff, RHUL Alumni says:

October 12, 2011 at 11:49 am

The UCU ballots UK-wide revealed 96% were against changes to the USS; around 80% voted for sustained action short of a strike, and around 60% voted for strike action. The new pension arrangement could cost current lecturers £130,000 and new lecturers £369,000 over the course of their retirement, colossal sums. SURHUL has in the past voted in a GM to support the Easter UCU strike, because it recognised the importance of students supporting lecturers, and vice versa.

Now, the lecturers’ union has come out strongly against the proposals after democratically balloting its members, against extremely regressive proposals… and you dismiss this all with “unwarranted”. Shame!

Either you have no understanding of the seriousness of the dispute, in which case I urge you to get in touch with the UCU reps, or you’re just opposed to the concept of striking/supporting workers’ rights. If the latter, then good luck crossing that picket.

Reply
Kieran Miles, Library Staff, RHUL Alumni says:

October 12, 2011 at 11:51 am

When the UCEA says the proposals are “moderate”, there’s no analysis of the figures, you just blindly take their word for it!

Reply
Rosie Pentreath says:

October 13, 2011 at 6:20 pm

Hi Karen,
In writing this story I wanted to present the entire spectrum of the dispute between UCU and USS; it is after all a report, NOT personal analysis. I understand that the UCU proposal is very restrictive (thank you for the figures re the loss to lecturers) and empathise deeply with all staff affected. Of course we both need to be careful not to take ‘numbers’ at face value. All statistics I presented were from, or linked to, the official website of the University and Colleges union, who of course report very much in the interest of lecturers. I assure you I was conscientious with figures and just tried to give a ’rounded’ view of the story. I must point out that my personal beliefs do not come into this (again’ it’s not an analysis or ‘opinion’ column). Hence; “…viewed by SOME as simply unwarranted.” It is important also to consider the students in this situation. Having paid just under £10,000 in tuition fees (£27,000 for prospective students) it is difficult not to feel anxious about disruption to courses and qualifications.

Reply

RHUL Lecturers Called to Action Over Pensions

3 Comments on “RHUL Lecturers Called to Action Over Pensions”

Leave a Reply

Paper Edition

On the iPhone

Poll

On Facebook