Northumbria University (UCU) Strike Calendar

A university informed staff that refusal to adopt a new scheme will result in a pay freeze, effectively penalizing employees who remain in the existing pension scheme with real-terms pay reductions.

The university management suggests this change could yield savings up to £11 million from staff wages and pensions.

However, the union asserts these proposals constitute an assault on long-term retirement security, potentially making many staff considerably worse off.

Following a meeting with nearly 250 members, a vast majority indicated a dispute concerning the pension alterations and the threat of a pay freeze.

The union has indicated that a vote for local industrial action is forthcoming, warning that the university might face disruption if the proposition is not withdrawn.

This disagreement is occurring against a backdrop of wider national concerns regarding universities aiming to reduce pension expenditures at the staff's expense.

The union has consistently cautioned that employers across the nation are eroding established pension plans, impacting staff morale, recruitment, and retention in higher education.

A sentiment was conveyed that compelling staff to choose between their salary or their pension is not a genuine option, and management is focused only on the short term.