University of Sheffield staff in strike action over pensions
2 June 2011
Staff at Sheffield University are taking 24 hours of strike
action from 7.00am tomorrow (3 June) in a dispute over
pensions.
Technical staff, porters and security guards are furious that
the university is creating a two tier workforce by downgrading the
pensions of lower paid staff, while keep a defined benefit scheme
for the higher paid staff.
The university is ending the final salary scheme for workers on
grades 1 to 5, and replacing it with an inferior cash balance
scheme. However, grades 6 and above will keep their defined benefit
scheme. This is a huge blow to the lower paid members of staff. The
university’s own equality impact assessment identified that women
were going to be disproportionately affected as they are heavily
represented in this group.
Unite regional officer Chris Daly said: "This is extremely
unjust. It's shameful that the university's senior management can
continue to enjoy their charmed lives, whilst actually targeting
the pensions of the lowest paid, with women disproportionately
affected. Our members are determined to win back pensions’ justice
and are ready to take further strike action to protect their pay in
retirement."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
