A million students hit by ‘work to contract’

Eight Scottish centres are among 67 across the UK launching the “work to contract” with around 40,000 lecturers and other academic staff taking part.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) – including those at the universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt, St Andrews, Stirling and Strathclyde – said they would only work contracted hours, refuse to cover for colleagues and will not attend meetings.

The union warned the action could escalate into strikes if the row was not resolved, adding that a million students could be affected.

UCU’s “sustained campaign” relates to their dispute over the universities superannuation scheme (USS), one of the largest private schemes in the UK. The USS is the predominant pension plan for academic staff from pre-1992 universities and changes came into force on 1 October.

The union is keen to resume negotiations, accusing employers of refusing to hold fresh talks. Lecturers work an average of 55 hours per week and universities depend on staff goodwill, said the union.

A spokeswoman for the University of Aberdeen said: “This is a national dispute in protest at changes that have been introduced. The changes are exceptional in that they retain a final salary pension for all existing members, while introducing career-average defined benefits for new members of staff.

“The UCU action at this time is not aimed at disadvantaging our students or our business activity in any way. We will of course keep this under close review.

“We know our academic staff are deeply committed to their profession and to delivering an outstanding student experience.

“We expect that very few would want to participate in industrial action of any kind that would have an adverse impact on students or our normal business.”

The row is separate from the pensions dispute affecting millions of public sector workers, including 60,000 UCU members, which will lead to a day of action on 30 November.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “Despite our best efforts to resolve this dispute, we cannot negotiate with an empty chair. Our action will start today and will see thousands of UCU members at universities across the country stop going the extra mile.

“We are keen to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible, with minimal disruption, and hope those universities keen to avoid unnecessary confrontation and disruption will start to apply pressure on those refusing to talk.”

A Universities and Colleges Employers Association spokesman said: “Employers are of course extremely disappointed by UCU’s plans to take industrial action.

“The changes to the scheme were approved by the USS trustee board, which includes UCU representation, on 9 June.

“This followed exhaustive negotiations and consultation. The changes would be considered moderate. Many will be confused by UCU’s position.”