Lectures cancelled as staff at Leicester and Loughborough universities strike
Strike action by staff at Leicester and Loughborough universities over changes to their pensions meant some students had lectures cancelled yesterday.
More than 50 University and College Union (UCU) members formed a picket line outside Leicester University's main entrance throughout the morning.
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Staff strike at the University of Leicester over pension changes
It is believed other lecturers chose to strike but did not join the picket line on the day.
However, university bosses, put the figure at around 100 staff out of 600 UCU members and said most classes had run as normal.
Those on the picket line brandished placards stating "Hands Off Our Pension" as they protested against changes to the University Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension fund, which will block new entrants from a final salary reward scheme, as well as those who leave for a career break.
The changes also propose greater contributions are made.
The UCU claims the average lecturer would face a £90 increase in costs each month in exchange for reduced benefits.
Law lecturer Stefano Bertea was among those on the picket line.
He said: "There are better ways to make reforms.
"This would amount to a two-tier system where new entrants who work the same hours and the same jobs have no equality."
Librarian Keith Nockels said: "These changes are hugely detrimental to new entrants and penalise those who take career breaks or are on short-term contracts."
Dr Katy Layton-Jones, Leicester University's UCU representative said: "This penalises women in academia who may wish to take a career break but in doing so could lose thousands of pounds on their pension.
"There has been no negotiation on these changes and that's what we're calling for.
"I'm very pleased with the support we've had from staff."
The presidents of Leicester and Loughborough Student Unions both pledged their support for the action but said long-term disruption would not be ideal.
Politics student Dominic Isles, from Leicester University, said: "I can understand why they're striking. It's a bit annoying that my lectures have been cancelled but if I was in that position I'd do the same."
A spokesman for Loughborough University, where the number on strike could not be confirmed, said: "The proposed changes to USS scheme are seen as the minimum necessary to address the pressures facing it."
National strike action by 63 UK universities is due to take place tomorrow.
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by Stu, Evington Exile
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 6:29PM
“LeicesterLocal, Leicester!
I agree that this would create a two tier system and that is far from ideal but at some point will be the case as changes are made across all sector/industries that still employ final salary schemes
Anon,
I do and please accept my apologies for my grammatical/spelling error. Or of coarse you could grow up or add something useful to a reasonable debate/conversation rather than pick up on a peace (see what i did there) of poor English/oversight by myself :)”
by LeicesterLocal, Leicester!
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 5:00PM
“re. Stu - yes- people living longer is an issue - I guess it always has been - the USS scheme hasn't imploed so far. Salary rises not so much so, as the contributions from workers will be higher and pension payments will increase less in line with CPI rather than RPI (as now).
Having different rules for new entrants will make it a 2-tier system - staff with the same job will get remunerated differently.”
by anon, Leics
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 4:56PM
“Stu - do you know the difference between 'affecting' and 'effecting' !!??”
by Stu, Evington Exile
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 4:14PM
“LeicesterLocal, Leicester!
Because as with all Pension schemes the pressure may not be immediate but with people living longer and salaries increasing they are not sustainable.
Honestly, I am not fully up to speed with the USS specifically as, as Neil kindly pointed out, I now understand it is outside of my normal (professional) remit but this is something effecting all final salary schemes as they don't work due to always being in deficit (not is cash terms necessarily but in liability).
A quick look at the USS own website and particularly the 'Funding Challenge' page shows why the review was started and the admitted problems with keeping the whole scheme afloat”
by LeicesterLocal, Leicester!
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 4:01PM
“Stu - Why is change needed to the USS pension scheme ? It is in good financial health. As Neil says, it is NOT a PUBLIC sector scheme.”
by Stu, Evington Exile
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 2:14PM
“Neil,
Thanks for the explanation on that and I agree that there should be more communication as this will/is only adding to the ill feeling.
I do though stand by my personal opinion that change is needed however, could be handled better”
by Neil B, Leicester
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 1:58PM
“David, there seems to be some confusion. It is the employers' representatives that are refusing to talk. The union (UCU) has called for talks, perhaps through ACAS if that will help, but the employers will not meet. It is difficult to negotiate when one side refuses. You have, perhaps without knowing it, stated the unions position that there will have to be a negotiated settlement and BOTH sides will have to get round the table and talk. It is the employers who are refusing to do this. The strike was an attempt to get them to the table. In your terms, it is the employers who are "clever sods" incapable of negotiation.
I didn't answer your question on whether they could afford a day's pay or not because I don't know the answer. However, the fact that staff were willing to give up a day's pay shows the strength of feeling on this issue.
Stu, I have a feeling that you are thinking of the local government pension deficit of £100 billion. However, the difference is that the university pension is a private scheme and there is a pot of money. There may be an argument of whether there is enough money in that pot, and changes that should be made if there isn't, but that should brought about through negotiation.”
by Stu, Evington
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 12:56PM
“Clare, Leicestershire
What do you think the percentage of Students that then turn out to be Lecturers? I would suggest minimal.
Also, this is not making the Pensions not 'decent' it is just trying to bring them into line with others who have to save all there lives.
The employers contributions will still grossly outweigh those made by the majority of private firms so even without a final salary scheme, the 'Pension Pot' will still be favourable under this scheme to those elsewhere.”
by Clare, Leicestershire
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 12:48PM
“The 'folk who are trying to learn' are the academics of the future. Current students already have big loans and unaffordable property prices to contend with. The least we can do is put up a fight for them to have a decent pension.”
by Stu, Evington Exile
Wednesday, March 23 2011, 12:35PM
“Neil,
I agree there are differences but why should new starters be entitled to a final salary scheme. They will be aware of this when they enter the job and can plan as necessary.
A misconception is that there is a Pension fund. There is no specific central pension fund. Figures are published which includes they payments made and the future liability but the issue and worry is that this money has to come from somewhere. Current figures stated a deficit of over £100 million between contributions and future liability. Although I appreciate the stress and upheaval and think that there could be better communications, like I stated before, I had no say over Mr Brown¿s decision to start taxing my Pension pot which has cost me personally thousands of pounds and I am relatively young.
The Public sector is not and should not be safer than those outside of it”