SUCU Branch News 2 Oct 2014

USS ballot – use your vote to defend your pension

Use your vote, speak to your colleagues and email this flyer that provides more information.

You will have seen recent briefings about the USS ballot that starts today and closes on 20th October. Your paper ballot form will arrive during the next few days. The proposals will mean lower benefits, less guaranteed income in retirement, and a worse pension than colleagues in the Teachers Pension Scheme. Remember this is just the start and if they win this then future erosion is very likely.

Its important that we get a good turn out and a strong vote in favour of action on both ASOS and taking strike action.

We have a good case:

The huge ‘deficit’ is artificial – USS is healthy and growing. The USS projections involved are contested by UCU and we believe the employers’ proposals are a deliberate overreaction. Since 2011, the fund’s investments have grown by £8bn. Returns on investment have outperformed both average earnings and inflation.
The employers can afford it – Pre-92 institutions are doing well. There is simply no case for the pensions they offer to be inferior to those offered by new universities.

This youtube video produced by Leeds UCU explains the threats and what we can do to stop them.

This is a detailed analysis of the effects of the proposals completed for UCU by First Actuarial.

Press coverage: Telegraph, Times Higher, FT.

If you want more information about the employers’ proposals please go to our USS blogsite.

Not sure which way to vote? Hang on to your ballot paper and come to the General Meeting 14th Oct 1pm in the Council Chamber, Octagon Centre.

General Meeting 14th Oct 1pm in the Council Chamber, Octagon Centre

The focus of this meeting for all members is the current threats to USS and the ballot. Beverages will be provided from 12.45. A guest speaker is tbc.

Sheffield March and Rally in support of Public Sector strikers Tuesday 14th October

Sheffield Trade Union Council is organising a march and rally in Sheffield in support of the public sector strikes taking place that week across the country. Local Authority workers in UNISON, GMB and UNITE are taking a day’s strike action over pay restraint which has seen their pay fall in real terms faster than any other group of workers

Assemble 1100hrs Devonshire Green. Speakers at 1115hrs. March sets off 1130hrs. 1230hrs arrive at City Hall steps Barkers Pool for final rally and speeches. Close 1330hrs.

Regional coach to TUC Britain needs a pay rise demo, London, 18 Oct 2014

Workers in Britain are facing the biggest squeeze on their incomes since Victorian times; wages have fallen in real terms every year since 2010. Britain’s richest people have managed to DOUBLE their wealth in the five years since the financial crash with a combined fortune of £519billion. This TUC demonstration will take place at the end of a week of strikes by various unions, including FE members of UCU. Let’s make this the biggest TUC demo ever – Britain Needs a Pay Rise.
SHEFFIELD: depart 7.45am – Paternoster Row (near Showcase Cinema) S1 2BX

Book seats on the coach via Helen Sidlow, UCU Regional Office: hsidlow@ucu.org.uk