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So for the second time in three years I've joined by colleagues in solidarity for the @ucu strikes. I really don't want to do this, but the reasons for doing so are myriad and serious, in particular the shocking way our pension scheme is being mismanaged. 1/n
Hopefully you will have seen detailed reasons for the UCU strikes already shared and reported, and I share my own take below, but what I haven't seen talked so much is the emotional toll of this strike. 2/n
This decision has led to sleepless nights and personal distress. I am completely committed to providing students a high quality education and secure environment to study in. It breaks my heart to be letting them down. 3/n
It also distressing given the strain it places on relationships with valued and respected colleagues and friends, some of which have legitimate reasons for not participating in the strike (particularly those on precarious contracts that the strike is also about). 4/n
I would very much rather not be in this position, but the intransigence and opacity of the USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme) have rendered this industrial action as our only choice. 5/n
USS have unilaterally declared that it is necessary to reduce pension benefits for its members (a typical lecturer losing over £200,000 over their life time). The need for these adjustments has been disputed by their own trustees, 1 of which has been fired for whistleblowing. 6/n
Furthermore, USS have refused to enact the recommendations of the independent expert panel, which also disputed the facts of the matter (including the forecasts for the performance of the pension scheme, the details of which USS refuses to release, even to trustees). 7/n
A really good independent account of this can be found in this FT article which lays the ugly facts bare. https://www.ft.com/content/16bcb6ac-a3b8-11e9-974c-ad1c6ab5efd1
8/n
8/n
The UCU feel this action is necessary to protect the benefits of its members, alongside pay and working conditions which have steadily declined over the last ten years (including below inflation pay rises). 9/n
This includes future generations of workers in the higher education sector, for whom we want to protect standards. 10/n
If you are student, I am sorry you have been caught up in this disruption. This decision has caused be a great deal of distress and upset. The National Union of Students is supporting the strike action. Resources, including letter templates here: https://www.nusconnect.org.uk/campaigns/ucu-strikes. 11/n
My hope is that this will be resolved very soon, and that UUK (Universities UK which includes management of the University of Manchester) offer their support to staff and challenge USS. 12/12
