The university of York was named as one of 67 leading UK universities that could face disruption to courses from October as lecturers vote for a “sustained campaign” of industrial action next week, in part of a long-running row over government changes to pensions.
The University and College Union (UCU) called on its members to take industrial action over changes to the terms of the Universities Superannuation Scheme pension plans which were announced earlier this year. UCU says pensions changes will leave new university staff up to £120,000 worse off.
The action includes working to just contracted hours, refusing to cover for colleagues and not attending meetings, and could escalate into strikes if the row is not resolved.
UCU General Secretary Sally Hunt said last month: “Industrial action is always a last resort for educators and we will work closely with students to minimize problems where possible.
“However, the nature of any industrial dispute means disruption, and there will be widespread and sustained disruption unless USS is prepared to return to the negotiating table.”
The action is scheduled to commence on October 10 2011. However, the University of York is not expecting its students to experience any disruption caused by the industrial action.
Senior Press Officer David Garner released the following statement concerning the situation at the University of York: “The University has made clear that it expects staff to perform all teaching and related duties whether members of staff are participating in the action or not. This is in line with the UCU’s own advice to its members, which is that they should “abide by the terms of their contracts, including their obligation to perform their duties in an efficient manner.
“We require members of staff who participate in industrial action to inform us that they are doing so. This allows us to assess the likely effects of the action. We do not expect this latest campaign to have a negative impact on students but we will monitor the situation carefully.
“In accordance with our established policy, the University of York reserves the right to withhold pay from staff if they are in breach of their contracts of employment.”