University lecturers have warned bosses they are prepared to continue their strike if their demands over pensions are not met.
Industrial action got underway yesterday with University and College Union (UCU) members mounting picket lines across the UK including at Aberdeen University and the Oban based Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).
The dispute centres on pensions entitlement with the UCU arguing some members will lose £10,000 a year. The Universities UK body says the changes are needed to balance the books.
A total of 14 days of action are planned over four weeks.
Mary Senior, UCU Scotland Official, said: “We’ve seen solid support for the strike at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, at Aberdeen University, and across the country.
“The strength of feeling amongst members over what is being proposed for their pension is clear and members are ready to continue the strike.
“It’s time for the employers’ body, Universities UK, to start meaningful talks and get university staff doing what they do best, lecturing and teaching students.”
Director of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, professor Nicholas Owens said: “I understand the position of the union. In particular I worry that poorer pensions might make academic careers less attractive so that UK academia could lose talent in the long run. This could have serious impacts on the culture and economy of the UK.”
An Aberdeen University spokesman said: “At this early stage of the scheduled strike action, there has been limited disruption to university business.
“The university continues to monitor the situation and will take steps to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.”
Universities UK said it has met UCU over 35 times in the last year to discuss reforms.
A spokesman said: “UUK remains at the negotiating table, but so far UCU has refused to engage on how best to address the funding challenges facing USS. It is important now that UCU engages on how best to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme.”
“The changes proposed will make USS secure and sustainable, safeguarding the future of universities.
“University staff will still have a valuable pension scheme, with employer contributions of 18% of salary, double the private sector average. This makes strike action very disappointing.”
