The University and UCU Glasgow have issued a joint statement about the current strike action calling for talks. The message, from the Principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, was relayed to all the University's staff and students first thing this morning (Tuesday 27 February).

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Dear colleagues and students,

As you know the first in a series of planned strikes, called by the University and College Union (UCU), began last week.

The University of Glasgow’s position on the dispute is very close to that of the UCU and has not changed since the dispute began. To emphasise this we have agreed the following joint statement with UCU Glasgow:

The University of Glasgow and the University and College Union Glasgow recognise the importance of pension security and are committed to maintaining the best possible pension provision for all our staff. We also want to see an early resolution to the current industrial dispute. To this end, we call for further talks at national level to explore all options until a way forward is found that is acceptable to all parties.
Any settlement needs to be affordable to both employers and staff; it should be a long-term solution, to avoid the risk of further possible conflict at the time of the next USS valuation; and it needs to be framed in a way that is acceptable to the Pensions Regulator.
The University of Glasgow stands by the position it took in the original consultation exercise, when it:

▪ Recognised the importance of securing the long-term future of the scheme for the good of both current and future members.
▪ Recognised that amendments to the scheme were likely to be necessary but expressed a preference for retaining a defined benefit element if possible.
▪ Indicated a willingness to increase employer contributions as part of an overall negotiated solution.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal of the University of Glasgow
University and College Union, Glasgow

I very much hope that an early settlement can be found to the dispute. In the meantime we will continue to do all we can to minimise the impact on students.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli

 

First published: 27 February 2018

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