USS strikes

From the largest strike in the history of UK higher education, to the US ‘academic precariat’ looking to unionise to improve their conditions, Jack Grove assesses the changing influence of workers’ organisations

Additional contribution from staff combined with 2 per cent extra from employers would be enough to keep current USS pension scheme, say experts

The former Bank of England governor’s broadside against academic pension cuts relied on ‘reckless’ and ‘absurd’ assumptions, say John Ralfe and Bernard Casey

UK academics prize the USS pension. Sacrificing a scheme ‘in rude health’ on the basis of overcautious calculations would cause more disaffection

Universities Superannuation Scheme is in ‘rude health’, says Mervyn King

Former Bank of England governor Mervyn King and economist John Kay address the USS’ so-called funding crisis and propose a fairer approach to sharing risk between employers, employees and generations

University and staff payments set to increase even though Joint Expert Panel is yet to report

Home secretary offers clarity in wake of UK university pensions walkout

Law firm claims that universities could be forced to pay out up to £20 million

How strong a voice should academics and students have in university governance? Tom Cutterham contrasts autocratic and democratic patterns in UK and European institutions

Staff refuse to allow delegates to consider motion calling for general secretary’s resignation

University and College Union general secretary Sally Hunt faces demands to stand down over her handling of the pensions strike

The autonomy, professional discretion and judgement once central to academic life is now looked on with deep scepticism by university managers, argues Peter Fleming

Law firm says legal claim can now progress after 1,000 people joined class action

Analysts are optimistic that the expert panel convened to reassess the USS deficit could deliver significant change, although others are less convinced

Branches call for return to collegiality from senior management to avoid repeat of industrial action

UCU members accept deal with vice-chancellors by two-to-one margin

While their credentials are not in dispute, institutions could have their teaching and research undermined by a crisis in morale

The protests against pensions reforms reflect not just self-interest but also anger about working conditions and a sense that universities are losing their way. Jack Grove explores how proposed changes to the USS strained and broke bonds of trust

Growing discontent among University and College Union members about leaders’ handling of negotiations

Universities should emulate the private sector in a positive way by eliminating costly duplication, says a worker in professional services

Converting the USS into a defined contributions scheme could give younger academics a bigger pension pot, argues David Voas 

Several University and College Union branches urge rejection of offer to set up expert panel

Four experts discuss the estimated shortfall that led to strike action at UK universities

Academics see the OfS, like the changes in USS pensions, as another attack on them and the cherished compensations of their profession

Union serves notice of strike action at 13 universities to begin on 16 April

Qualified actuary and academic Nick Foster says the case for university pension reform cannot be ignored despite a brilliant anti-cuts PR campaign

Institutions are removing content that has not been covered because of missed classes but are adamant that standards will not be lowered

This strike’s momentum is unprecedented because the proposed pension cuts are a symbol of the UK’s flawed higher education system, says George Letsas

Revised deal would set up expert panel to advise on ‘future joint approach’, and aim to protect defined benefits

More than 600 academics record resignation in online document

Casualisation and treating academics like feckless children who can’t be trusted have also taken their toll, says Sarah Colvin

Industrial action at UK universities a ‘seminal moment’, say academics