STAFF at a Scottish university are set to go on strike next month.
Unite the union announced on Thursday that hundreds of members at Strathclyde University will take two weeks of strike action in March in response to an “attack” on pensions.
The workers in dispute are part of the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF). The union claimed they are at risk of losing “thousands of pounds a year” due to proposed changes to move workers to an “inferior” superannuation scheme.
The strike action will last from March 10 until March 23 and will involve technicians, cleaners, security and estates staff such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.
Unite said workers were not consulted before the university announced the proposed changes, slamming the move as a “cash grab”.
The union added that the university is riding “roughshod” over workers’ rights and the Scottish Government’s Fair Work principles.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite members at Strathclyde University are set for strike action because their employer is attempting a shameful cash grab on their pensions.
“Unite will back our members 100% as the fight to protect their pensions intensifies in the coming weeks.”
Alison MacLean, Unite regional coordinating officer, said: “Strathclyde University is attempting to ignore Unite by ramming through these punitive pension proposals.
“There has been radio silence from the university despite our offer to negotiate a resolution to this dispute.”
“The Scottish Government also have a responsibility because Strathclyde University receives significant public money yet they are attempting to ride roughshod over workers’ rights, and rip up the Fair Work principles.
“The university has a pension surplus of £100 million and we have offered to explore ways of improving its short term financial position.
“It comes as no surprise that management is refusing to do this because it means tackling exorbitant executive pay.”
In 2023, Strathclyde University made an overall surplus of £46.8m from an income of £487.4m.
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.
Strathclyde University has been contacted for comment.
