Southampton Solent University (UCU) Strike Calendar

An overwhelming 93% of voting staff supported strike action, with a 72% turnout, indicating potential disruption in the new year if management does not alter its plans.

Staff numbering 286 were moved onto the books of a subsidiary company, Solent University Services Ltd (SUSL).

This transfer removed the affected employees from the industry standard Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and placed them into a less beneficial pension scheme.

Staff who objected to the transfer by a specified deadline were informed their employment would cease immediately.

The intention is to move all staff, including those currently in the Teachers' Pension Scheme, onto the subsidiary arrangement in the future.

The measures enacted by the university are likened to 'fire and rehire' practices, compelling staff to accept reductions in retirement benefits or face job loss.

Alternative proposals submitted during the consultation period, designed to safeguard pension benefits, were rejected by management.