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Strathclyde university workers back strike action over pension changes

94% of workers in an industrial action ballot supported strike action.

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Strathclyde university workers back strike action over pension changes
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Unite Scotland has today confirmed that hundreds of members at the University of Strathclyde have backed strike action in reaction to the threat of pension changes.

94% of workers in an industrial action ballot supported strike action.

The development came despite a last minute attempt by the university on the eve of the ballot result to amend its initial pension proposals without consulting the union according to Unite.

The workers are part of the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) and are at risk of losing thousands of pounds a year due to the University of Strathclyde proposing to move existing and future workers into an inferior superannuation scheme because the university wants to access a pension surplus of nearly £100m.

The workers involved in the ballot included technicians, cleaners, security and estates staff such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Unite’s members at the University of Strathclyde have emphatically backed strike action.

“Pensions are deferred wages which our members contribute towards over many years for their retirement.

“The university’s shameful cash grab from our hard working members’ pension pots will be vigorously resisted.

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“Strathclyde university workers will have Unite’s full support in defence of their pensions.”

Unite contends there is no need for the University of Strathclyde to make the pension changes because it made an overall surplus of £46.8m in 2023 from an income of £487.4m.

The university has substantial reserves holding net assets of £402.9m in 2023, up from £304.6m in 2019 and an additional £142.7m in cash.

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The university also has strong financial liquidity with £360.7m of its net assets being ‘unrestricted’ which means they are not ‘locked up’ and can be used in the event of any temporary financial downturn.

The principal and vice-chancellor professor Sir Jim McDonald made £401,000 in 2023, with a further £3m divided up between the university executive team.

Unite can confirm no decision as yet has been taken on strike days, the union will update on industrial action in the near future.  

Alison MacLean, regional coordinating officer at Unite, said: “The University of Strathclyde has refused to meaningfully consult with us throughout this dispute.

“The cynical attempt to change their initial punitive pension proposal on the eve of the ballot result will be seen for exactly what it is by our members.

“The facts remain that there is a pension surplus of £100m and any changes could leave some workers thousands of pounds worse-off every year.

“The university has an opportunity to bin its proposals and if they want to genuinely explore ways of improving its short term financial position then Unite is willing to discuss ways to do this including tackling eye-watering executive pay.”

A spokesperson for the University of Strathclyde said: “Having engaged in extensive consultation over many months, we are disappointed with the outcome of the ballot, which the trade union chose to undertake after they withdrew from the collective consultation process. 

“Following further consultation with our staff we have recently shared an enhanced pension proposal.

“The University remains committed to providing an excellent pension provision to its staff.

“A decision regarding the proposed changed of pension provider has not yet been made.”

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