The UCU action – some questions and answers
UCU has asked its members to take action over the proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). Background information on the relevant issues, together with information on the possible implications of industrial action appear below in "Question and Answer" format.
- Why is UCU taking action?
- Do I have to participate in the action?
- What does "working to contract" mean?
- Will I have my pay deducted if I participate in the action?
- What other action is UCU planning?
- Do I have to inform the University that I am participating in the UCU action?
- Are staff required to provide 'on call' cover or to carry out work outside of normal working hours?
- What are the key changes to USS, and how will they affect me as a current member?
- What happens if this doesn't resolve UCU's dispute over the national changes to USS?
- Will the University agree to UCU's demand to return to the negotiating table?
- How will I find out from the University what is happening?
-
Why is UCU taking action?
UCU disagrees with the changes that have been made to USS in order to ensure its long term future sustainability and affordability. USS is a national pension scheme operating and managed by its own Trust, with more than 400 participating employers. UCU was involved in every step of the decision making process within USS, and the negotiations which led up to those decisions being taken. The changes have all been agreed and were implemented on 1 October 2011, but UCU wants to go back to re-negotiate at a national level.
-
Do I have to participate in the action?
There is no obligation on any member of staff or UCU member to participate in any action that UCU asks people to take. This is the case even if you voted in favour of action in the UCU ballot over the summer. It is entirely your choice and you should not feel intimidated by others to participate. If you feel you are being subjected to pressure to do so, please contact your department’s HR team.
-
What does "working to contract" mean?
If you decide to participate in the action you should continue to undertake the full range of duties you normally do, or could be expected to do, under your contract of employment.
-
Will I have my pay deducted if I participate in the action?
Provided you continue to undertake the full range of duties you normally do, or could be expected to do, your pay will not be affected. The University does not accept partial performance which may result in deductions being made from your pay, or other action by the University. Please see the University’s statement on dispute resolution for more details.
-
What other action is UCU planning?
UCU has encouraged its members to participate in "nuisance" activities across campus in addition to working to contract. The University does not condone such activities and will be working to ensure that students are not affected by any action which may be taken and that normal University business continues as normal. Members of staff are encouraged to consider the implications of participating in such "nuisance" activities both in terms of damaging the reputation and potential future success of the University, and in relation to areas such as Health and Safety regulations.
-
Do I have to inform the University that I am participating in the UCU action?
You are not obliged to inform the University or your manager that you are working to your contract. It is not unreasonable for managers to ask about your intentions to participate in the UCU action however in the interests of ensuring normal delivery of services. Similarly, you are not obliged to inform UCU or other colleagues of your intentions in relation to the proposed action and you should not feel pressured into doing so.
-
Are staff required to provide 'on call' cover or to carry out work outside of normal working hours?
Where these duties are a normal requirement of the role then staff would still be expected to participate in these arrangements and will continue to receive any related allowances which may be in place. If there are no pre-existing requirements to carry out work of this nature then individual members of staff would be able to decline such requests.
-
What are the key changes to USS, and how will they affect me as a current member?
Current members of USS will continue to participate in a final salary scheme, with no changes to the way benefits are calculated at the point of retirement. In order to keep this scheme sustainable, it is necessary to increase members’ contributions from 6.35% to 7.5% of pensionable pay. There have also been some changes to the way pensions being paid are calculated with caps being placed on the level of annual re-valuation of pensions, but these changes will not have an impact on you until after you have retired. Details can be found on our USS web pages.
These changes have now been implemented with effect from 1 October 2011, following the national negotiations and subsequent agreement by the USS Board of Trustees.
-
What happens if this doesn't resolve UCU's dispute over the national changes to USS?
UCU has threatened to ask its members to take part in strike action if their demands are not met. The University has not been informed of any specific plans in respect of such escalation of action.
-
Will the University agree to UCU's demand to return to the negotiating table?
The University is a participating employer in USS, along with around 400 other universities and colleges. USS is a separate organisation from the University and has its own decision-making bodies and Board of Trustees. The Employer’s Pension Forum (EPF) is the body which represents the collective views of the 400 participating employers in discussions relating to USS at a national level, in the same way as UCU represents not only its members, but all USS members nationwide in such discussions. It is for USS members themselves to decide on changes to the scheme, using their own decision-making mechanisms, to which both the EPF and UCU have been party in equal measure throughout negotiations to change USS.
-
How will I find out from the University what is happening?
The HR web pages will contain the latest information, and, where appropriate, updates will be sent to staff via e-mail. See the UCU dispute pages for more details.