UCU Strike ballot opens in pensions row

UCU members in Scotland are being balloted for strike action in the row over changes to public sector pensions.
Members in the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme (STSS) are being asked if they are prepared to take strike action in protest at changes to their pensions that would see them pay more and work longer in exchange for reduced benefits in retirement.
If they back the action then UCU members  will join a host of other public sector unions in co-ordinated action on Wednesday 30 November.
Despite the fact that the STSS pension scheme is a devolved matter, the Scottish government will be implementing the increase in employee contributions in 2012/13 in line with the Westminster proposals.
UCU Scotland president, Gordon Watson, said: ‘We are urging UCU members to back strike action to defend their pensions. Members of all Scottish education unions are being balloted along with around three million trade union members across the UK.