Threat of strikes at Strathclyde University over pension fund dispute

Staff involved in the ballot include technicians, cleaners, security and estates staff such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.

Matthew Fulton

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A trade union has warned of potential strike action at Strathclyde University over a row over pension funds.

Unite Scotland said 350 members at the university are to be balloted on industrial action in reaction to the threat of changes to the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF).

The union claims workers are at risk of losing thousands of pounds a year due to a proposal to move existing and future workers into a superannuation scheme – where a percentage is taken from your earnings to provide a pension for retirement.

Unite said the move could make around 1,100 workers worse-off in retirement and claimed a drop in overseas students number was behind the change.

Staff involved in the ballot include technicians, cleaners, security and estates staff such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The decision by the University of Strathclyde to force through pension cuts will be resisted.

“Strike action in defence of our members’ pensions is now firmly on the cards, and make no mistake Unite will do everything to get this disgraceful decision binned. We make no apologies for standing up for our members.”

An industrial action ballot opened on Thursday and is due to close on Monday, February 10.

The University of Strathclyde has been contacted for comment.