BREAKING: Universities face 14 more days of strikes during exams

The University and Colleges Union (UCU) has confirmed that there will be 14 more days of strikes across the exam period in April and June if the current pensions dispute is not resolved.

University staff have been on strike since February 22 over proposed changes to the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the UCU, stated: “I want to stress that I consider all this a necessary precaution against the failure of talks to deliver an acceptable settlement.

“The union would prefer dialogue and I have given my personal commitment to Acas that UCU is serious about reaching an agreement. However, if talks fail, we are prepared to carry out the action in defence of our pensions.”

Universities UK (UUK) has released a statement in response to the announcement: “UUK has again restated its request to the union that industrial action is suspended while talks at ACAS continue. As part of any alternative proposal, we will expect that industrial action is suspended while UUK consults with all employers.”

The University’s Press and Policy director Peter Dunn commented: “Warwick as a University actually shares many of the UCU  trade union’s concerns about the proposed  pension changes and our Vice-Chancellor was one of the first to publicly say so.

“We are therefore saddened that despite that being our position that the pensions dispute has still resulted in strike action at Warwick.

“However, we understand  that is a national issue that needs resolving. We continue to call on both UUK and UCU to work together to find a speedy and sensible resolution.”

This article will be updated as the story develops.