Independent Workers Union of Great Britain – Universities of London Branch

This is from the intranet today – obviously ANY statement is welcome, but this does kind of define ‘sitting on the fence’….

“You will all be aware of the current strike action by the members of the University and College Union (UCU) in relation to proposed changes to the USS pension scheme.

I was pleased to learn that further talks have been agreed between UCU and Universities UK on the future of the scheme following a meeting last week. I welcome this development as a positive step towards reaching a mutually agreeable settlement and look forward to the outcome of fresh discussions beginning today.”

See below for a letter from our branch secretary to Chris Cobb raising concerns over health and safety during the strikes:

Dear Chris

I am writing to ask that the University confirm that during UCUs strike action that the campus remain safe for staff and students to remain working on?

Given the number of staff taking strike action or refusing to cross picket lines, are all necessary health and safety requirements (both outlined in the University’s own policy and that of the relevant legislation) being met? Continue reading →

Another well-supported if extremely cold day of strike action on Friday culminated in the news that talks would resume with Universities UK next Tuesday, as more VCs broke ranks to call for a negotiated solution (the list was 18 at the last count, including Cambridge!).

However, as UUK are still ludicrously claiming that the decision to close the DC scheme cannot be part of negotiations, the strikes will continue!

It is clear that the action is working – and it’s more important than ever that we step it up now that the momentum is and the employers are wavering! We are almost there – please join us in supporting the picket at the front of Senate House on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week and help seal a historic victory and save our pensions!

Any questions – give Danny a shout on 07783719479.

Tens of thousands of lecturers and other staff braved freezing temperatures to take part in the first day of protests against changes to their pensions. And, to show solidarity, many IWGB members turned out to support the picket line at Senate House.

They stood alongside the students who were supporting their teachers while journalists captured, in images and words, the biggest industrial action even seen in UK universities. Stories featured in many local, national and international media outlets – too numerous to list.

Here are some from The Guardian: University lecturers begin strike action over pensions; The Guardian view on the lecturers’ strike: a deficit in thinking; The solution to university pensions? Better fund managers; ‘The whole university system is broken’: your best comments today; I’m striking with university colleagues as our pensions are being destroyed. Most of the Guardian’s coverage of the strike can be found on its Higher Education page. Continue reading →