Southampton University is one of 61 institutions across Britain facing disruption in the following weeks as a result of staff strikes over changes to pensions.
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) have overwhelmingly backed Southampton University staff in their intention to take industrial action. University staff are planning to strike in response to planned changes to pensions in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
Full strike action is planned to take place over a total of fourteen days, spread across February and March, with more than 87.5% of Southampton staff voting to strike, and 92.4% voting to take action "short of a strike".
The widespread disruption is in response to Universities UK's plans to remodel the current pensions scheme. The proposal involves making changes from a defined benefit scheme that ensures a guaranteed retirement income, to a defined contribution scheme as a result of which pension income will be subject to any changes within the stock market. However, President and Vice-Chancellor of Southampton University, Sir Christopher Snowden, promised staff in an open letter that any pre-existing pension savings will not be affected by the new scheme.
In a statement to students, the University of Southampton said; "Our primary concern is that our students are not disadvantaged by this proposed action and that there is minimal disruption to studies and progression". They ensure that they have been working closely with representatives from the Student's Union and other colleagues to put in place effective contingency plans, allowing students to continue with their studies and preparations for assessments as normal”.
The University states that action ‘short of a strike' will commence from 22 February and could go on until as late as 18 June. This action will consist of staff working strictly in line with their contracts, refraining from covering for absent colleagues, rescheduling lectures cancelled due to strike action and abstaining from any voluntary activities.
Second-year undergraduate student, Ayham Zeido said; "I think that the union members decision to strike is fair. Everyone has the right and this is just them exercising that right. Although it's frustrating because we are the ones paying for missing out, we can't be selfish, this is their livelihood. Obviously, the negotiations over pension schemes have failed and this is the outcome".
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