100 signatures reached
To: VC Chris Day
Supporting the UCU strike at Newcastle University
The UCU at Newcastle University has agreed to strike action following a dispute over Pensions schemes. 62.1% of members voted: 90% of which voted in favour of a strike and 93.9% voted for action short of a strike. Proposed action will take place from February 22nd onwards.
The changes would mean university employees can no longer claim a ‘defined benefit pension’ - which promises a specified sum paid after retirement - and that the entirety of their pension would be a defined contribution scheme. in effect, the change could wipe 40-75% off the value of lecturers' pensions.
Why is this important?
As staff and students of the university, we are calling for an end to these measures. We will not allow attacks on workers' rights to divide the university community. Members of the general public are also welcome to sign to show their support. This petition is an open letter to the Vice Chancellor, and is a show of solidarity in support of strike action.
