Newcastle University

Strike action on 24 March

The UCU has decided to call a national one day strike on 24 March regarding its dispute on the 2010 pay award and job protection.  The other HE trade unions have accepted the 2010 pay award, which was implemented in February and backdated to 1 August 2010.  The HE employers’ organisation (UCEA) has consistently explained that it is not appropriate to have a national agreement on job security as each university is an independent employer, with its own set of procedures, normally agreed locally with its trade unions and each will have a different set of financial circumstances. 

The University has written to all staff eligible to be members of the UCU advising them that it will withhold pay from any employee taking strike action on 24 March.  A set of Frequently Asked Questions is also available, together with additional background information.

Proposed changes to the USS

Following the extensive consultation exercise carried out last year, the original proposals were modified.  Further consideration and implementation of the modified proposals has been blocked by UCU’s refusal to attend at three meetings of the USS Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) that have been organised for earlier in March.  The original proposals are the result of nearly three years discussion, and were approved by the USS JNC and by the USS Board.