Their hand was strengthened by the mass walk out of lecturers at colleges and campuses around the country – the first nationwide strike action for five years – and a leaked letter which reveals that changes to pensions cannot be made without a deal being struck between the two sides.
Proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme involve a “double whammy” – increasing costs while reducing benefits – although the scheme itself is in rude good health.
The union fears the changes are being made not for financial or practical, but ideological, reasons.
The letter, written by the USS chief executive, makes it clear that “the union and the employers’ representatives need to resolve their differences” before any changes to the scheme can be implemented.
UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “The action we have seen across the country was quite magnificent. The support of students left the employers looking isolated and foolish. We have heard enough excuses and seen enough posturing; it is time to start talking and get this dispute sorted.”
