Branch updates

News in brief from SUCU Committee.

SUCU Branch News 18 Sept 2014

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Update from Branch EGM today

An extremely well attended meeting heard from Roger Brooks National Exec member.  Roger gave a comprehensive overview of the threats to the current USS scheme which include the closure of the final salary scheme for all staff and the introduction of a new hybrid scheme. This UCU briefing provides more information, and a UCU commissioned report is expected soon that will show the affect of the Employers' proposals for different career paths.  There was a discussion about taking industrial action including action short of a strike.  A special USS conference tomorrow will consider the recommendations of the UCU negotiators working group.  These include seeking a mandate for industrial action. We will inform you of further updates.

New UCU colleagues

Many UCU members from other institutions will be moving to Sheffield at this time of year.  It would be really helpful to remind colleagues that their membership will only be transferred to this Branch if they inform UCU.  This can be done either by contacting j.rodger@sheffield.ac.uk or by updating their details online.  Please also talk to colleagues who are not in the union about joining us and pass on this flyer providing more information. Every member increases our strength.

 Occupational Health Service

How many of you are aware that Occupational Health is now called Workplace Health and Wellbeing and is under the banner of Juice?  

Britain Needs A Pay Rise: TUC national demonstration 18 October 2014

The march starts from Embankment at 11am and will end with a rally in Hyde Park.  Coaches are leaving Sheffield at 8am.  To book a seat contact: tucsheffield@gmail.com or text 07476164537* today! *answerphone - please leave details of your request and contact number for reply. Read more..

SUCU Branch News 11 Sept 2014

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Threats to USS Pension -  EGM Thurs 18 Sept, 1pm

The employers are considering the abolition of the final salary scheme.  Intense negotiations on the future of the USS pension scheme have been taking place over the summer. Cuts to pension provision are a real threat, and UCU is considering whether to go into formal dispute. SUCU Committee is calling members to attend an EGM on Thurs 18 Sept 1-2pm, in advance of a Special USS Conference the following day.  We want to discuss the USS negotiations with members, so that our reps go to the Conference on the 19th with an informed view about your feelings on pensions and possible industrial action. Our guest speaker will be Roger Brooks UCU national excec member. Venue: Hicks Building, LT10. More details will follow, and if you're not on campus on the day of the meeting please forward your views to ucu@sheffield.ac.uk.

A 'why I'm leaving academia' piece

Members may be interested to read this article from Marina Warner.