Scottish Greens North East Scotland MSP Maggie Chapman will lead
a debate in the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday) calling for
action to support striking university staff.
University staff across Scotland are taking part in industrial
action over pension cuts, as well as falling pay, gender and
ethnicity pay gaps, precarious employment practices and unsafe
workloads.
Speaking ahead of the debate, said:
“University staff pensions are being slashed by an average of
35%. This cut is based on a valuation of the pension scheme that
took place at the height of the pandemic, which identified nearly
£80million deficit in the scheme.
“However, this deficit no longer exists: the scheme itself has
reported assets increasing to over £88billion. But, if the cut
goes ahead, it will be Scottish Government money – public money –
being used to plug the shortfall from that outdated valuation.
The health of the pension fund has recovered substantially, so
much so that a new valuation would likely result in pensions
being increased, rather than cut.
“This sorry situation shows how broken the UK private pension
system is and makes the case for radical change.
“Interestingly, the University of Glasgow has indicated a
willingness to engage with the UCU to avert strike action. It’s
vital this happens across the country, and hard-working
university staff get what they deserve.”
Ends
This motion will be debate at around 12.45pm on Thursday 12th
May: https://archive2021.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Advance&ReferenceNumbers=S6M-04187
