The result of an indicative ballot which at Aberystwyth University shows that trade union members are overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action to oppose changes to their pension scheme.
The university’s planned changes to pension arrangements would lead to a large number of the workforce, including many low paid workers, being significantly worse off during retirement.
UNISON regional organiser Simon Dunn said: ”We’re not surprised at the results of the ballot. It just confirms what we have already been telling the university – that our members are not prepared to roll over and accept these proposals.
“Industrial action is always a last resort, but the university’s proposals are condemning workers to a poverty pension.
“Some of the lower paid workers are going to lose thousands of pounds a year during retirement as a result of these plans.
“The university council are sleepwalking into this decision. Our members have clearly stated its time for the university to wake up, accept the proposed cuts are too much to bear, and sit down with the unions to negotiate an alternative.”
UNISON members have voted 15:1 in favour of taking industrial action. The first day of action is planned for 22 September, the first day of the new academic year. The university has already seen a decline in student applications, following a year of negative publicity.
Martin Wilding from UCU Aberystwyth branch, said: ”We urge the university council to reconsider at their meeting next week and vote these plans down.
“The pension proposals are unfair – it’s as simple as that. They leave the low paid significantly worse off, whilst those at the top will have a decent pension.
“Is this really the image that the university wants to portray? If this goes ahead, it will not make the university a better place to work, nor will it make it a better place to study.
“In the face of falling student numbers and reputation, the University needs to be pulling together to make Aberystwyth a top place to study, and a top place to work. The answer cannot be to say to half of your staff, we don’t think you deserve a decent pension.”
Union staff at the university staged a soup kitchen on site to highlight the impact that the pension changes would have. A further lobby has been planned for Friday 20 June.
UNITE organiser Allan Card said: ”Low paid university workers should not be expected to pick up the tab for the university’s financial difficulties, particularly as those at the top are benefitting through performance-related pay.
“Hopefully, commonsense will prevail and we won’t have to take formal strike action, but if we have to we will because we genuinely can’t afford not to.”
