You will know that UCU has announced a campaign against changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme, by means of industrial action short of a strike beginning on 10 October. Further information for managers and staff are set out on the web in the HR section, see Industrial action.
In brief, the UCU has instructed members taking part in the action to abide by the terms of their contracts and perform their duties in an efficient manner, requesting them at this initial stage:
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To work no more than their contractual hours and not to exceed the maximum hours set out in the Working Time Regulations (ie a limit of 48 hours a week over a 17 week period)
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To perform no additional duties
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To set and mark no work that they are not required to set and mark
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To attend no meeting where attendance is voluntary on the part of the member
Although the School does not accept partial performance of contracts of employment, in the interests of maintaining good employee relations, no deductions in pay will be made from those participating in the action from 10 October who continue to carry out their contractual duties in full.
However, the School will naturally be assessing the impact of the industrial action on scheduled activities and in particular on the student experience in order to determine whether any change is needed to its approach.
While we understand those taking part in the action are not required to give prior notice, in the interests of safeguarding the student experience, UCU members taking action are requested to confirm their participation to their Head of Service/Head of Department as soon as possible and to confirm any work they will not be carrying out.
On the USS changes, the School understands anxieties around pension arrangements, but believes that the changes to USS are unavoidable if the scheme is to remain viable, particularly given the great uncertainties about the future global financial situation.
At this stage I ask only that staff weigh up the potentially adverse impact on the School, colleagues and students, before they take action: optimal staff performance is crucial to the School’s ability to do well in a competitive environment.
Professor Judith Rees, Director
11 October 2011