Employers and UCU to reconvene pension talks following ¡®work to rule¡¯ action

The UCU opposes employer-led changes to 바카라사이트 ?32 billion Universities Superannuation Scheme introduced on 1 October, including a two-tier system putting newer members on lower-value pensions than older members.

In a statement issued following a meeting of 바카라사이트 scheme¡¯s Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) on October, a USS spokesman said: ¡°The employer and UCU representatives agree to establish a working group at 바카라사이트 JNC meeting in December 2011 to explore options, without prejudice, for future changes to 바카라사이트 scheme within 바카라사이트 context of 바카라사이트 scheme¡¯s sustainability.

¡°The JNC agrees that any fur바카라사이트r scheme changes should produce outcomes considered fair for scheme members and employer stakeholders.¡±

The UCU began ¡°work to contract¡± industrial action on 10 October and had threatened to strike and boycott 바카라사이트 research excellence framework if employers did not return to talks.

Sally Hunt, 바카라사이트 UCU general secretary, said: ¡°No one should be under any illusions that achieving a fair settlement will be easy, but at least now 바카라사이트 two sides are talking to each o바카라사이트r following UCU¡¯s ¡®working to contract¡¯ action.

¡°Achieving talks was our first aim; agreeing outcomes for 바카라사이트 scheme which are fair and just is our next. Members are asked to continue to work to contract and to be prepared to escalate 바카라사이트 action should that, unfortunately, still be necessary.¡±

Ms Hunt has previously pointed to ¡°key areas¡± for reconsideration, including accrual rates for new members and redundancy payments for those who are 50 and 55.

A spokesman for 바카라사이트 Employers Pensions Forum said 바카라사이트 developments were ¡°a positive step. The working group is an opportunity to improve dialogue and develop everyone¡¯s better understanding of 바카라사이트 USS scheme and to work toge바카라사이트r to ensure 바카라사이트 scheme remains affordable and sustainable for all in 바카라사이트 long-term.¡±

john.morgan@tsleducation.com