Union supports lecturer action against cuts

On Monday October 24, the Students’ Union confirmed their support for lecturer’s industrial action. During the meeting of the 78th Union Council, chaired by James Entwistle, the new policy regarding industrial action was passed with 36 votes for and 6 votes against.

Lecturers are planning action just short of a strike, deciding to work only their contracted hours. This is part of a wider campaign against government cuts to pensions, specifically the introduction of Career Average Revalued Earnings. In general, the implication of this is that staff and lecturers’ pensions will be reduced.

The Union believes that pension cuts are just part of wider changes to Higher Education, which could have a negative impact on both Warwick staff and students. The Union’s support is limited, however, to action which does not directly impact on Warwick students.

James Entwistle, Chair of Council, commented in a personal capacity on the Union’s decision, stating that he believes “the government is going ahead without consultation or negotiation”. He also remarked that “the government is doing this to all public sector workers. It is completely unfair, especially after they agreed pensions were sustainable during the 2007/08 review”.
Further support for the Union’s decision has been given by David Reed, the Campaigns Forum Coordinator, who commented: “I sympathise with the lecturers and feel that government policy has been unfair and unrepresentative.”

The lecturers’ action coincides with the University’s upcoming Teaching and Learning Review for the academic year 2011-12, which the University and College Union (UCU) is boycotting. Warwick SU has stated that the President and Education Officer will maintain an open channel of communication with both the Unions and the University in order to monitor the potential impact of strike action on students.

Sean Ruston, SU Education Officer, said: “The Union does not support the UCU’s decision to boycott the Teaching and Learning Review because we see the review as vital to improve the quality of teaching at Warwick for future students. However, as part of our general campaign against cuts affecting higher education, we condemn the changes to the pension scheme that have led to the UCU’s action.”

Chris Luck, the SU Democracy Officer, stated that the “priority for the SU is the protection of Warwick students’ teaching and learning experience, regardless of personal opinion on strike action.”