Staffordshire University staff strike over pensions
Staffordshire University staff are striking today, claiming a new pension scheme imposed on lowest paid workers is 'targeted' and 'unfair'.
Workers are striking following Staffordshire University’s decision to introduce a new pension scheme for Grade 1 to 6 salary staff.
More than 200 people are expected to strike, according to UNISON, including staff at Stafford's Blackheath Lane campus.
Staff are being moved away from the Local Government Pension Scheme, with workers in Grade 7 or above remaining under the pension scheme.
UNISON said 80 per cent of members who has responded to the ballot have vote for strike action.
A spokesperson for the union said: "This is a targeted and unfair attack on the future of the lowest paid members of staff leading to uncertain retirement a retirement the workers have planned and paid for."
A Staffordshire Univiersity spokesperson added: "We have held extensive discussions with UNISON throughout the process, and operated a 60 day consultation period when we engaged with staff to explain the proposal and seek their views.
"Following this, the university made the difficult decision to proceed with the changes to staff members pension scheme.
"The university has in place contingency plans for such eventualities and is confident that our usual levels of service will be provided on these dates."
