BU UCU members met on 11 March for our latest full branch meeting. The meeting focused on solidarity with colleagues at Northumbria, defending the Teachers’ Pension Scheme across the sector, and updates on Bournemouth University’s forthcoming Workload Planning Framework. 

Solidarity with Northumbria UCU

Members supported a motion backing colleagues at Northumbria University, who are currently taking strike action.

Northumbria management is attempting to force staff out of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and into the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). Staff who remain in TPS face significant pay cuts. This approach also undermines national collective bargaining and sets a dangerous precedent for the sector.

Our branch recognised the dispute as one of national significance. The meeting resolved to:

• Issue a statement of solidarity with Northumbria UCU
• Support their plans for a national campaign and rally in Newcastle
• Make a financial donation to the Northumbria UCU hardship fund

The attack on pensions at Northumbria is not an isolated issue. If allowed to succeed, similar strategies could be used across post-92 universities.

Defending the Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Members also passed a motion to submit to UCU Congress addressing the growing number of institutions seeking to withdraw from TPS.

The most recent valuation has significantly increased employer contribution rates. Several post-92 universities have already left the scheme or begun consultations on doing so, often alongside restructuring exercises and job cuts.

Our branch believes TPS remains a fundamental part of pay and conditions in post-92 higher education. Withdrawal from the scheme represents a major cut to deferred pay and risks deepening inequalities across the sector. Evidence suggests staff with protected characteristics — including women, disabled staff and those with caring responsibilities — may be disproportionately affected.

The proposed Congress motion calls for UCU to:

• Campaign nationally to defend access to TPS in post-92 institutions
• Support branches facing TPS withdrawal consultations
• Develop a national strategy to defend defined-benefit pensions
• Lobby government to address funding pressures used to justify pension cuts

Workload Planning Framework Update

Members also discussed Bournemouth University’s forthcoming Workload Planning Framework.

The university has indicated that a “final” version of the framework will soon be circulated to staff. However, the branch has not yet seen this final version.

BU UCU has engaged extensively in the consultation process and raised a number of serious concerns, both through formal channels and through staff feedback sessions. Based on current discussions with management, it appears that many of the key issues raised by staff and the union have not been addressed.

For clarity: BU UCU has not agreed to the final framework.

We have formally asked the university not to describe the framework as having been co-authored, produced “in consultation”, or negotiated with the union unless our concerns are genuinely addressed. We are extremely disappointed in both the versions of the framework we have seen to date, and the approach Bournemouth University has taken to this process, which is in direct contradiction of the Trade Dispute Resolution we recently agreed to that calls for negotiation and agreement on all policies and operations that affect staff.

Once the framework is released, the branch will circulate a member survey to gather views and determine next steps.

Get Involved

Branch meetings are open to all members and are a vital part of how we decide our collective priorities.

We are always looking for colleagues willing to get involved in the branch executive committee — whether helping with communications, casework, organising, or campaigning. There is a role for anyone who wants to contribute.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the branch office.

Members can also keep up to date with branch news and updates on our blog.

Illegitimi non carborundum.

In Solidarity,
Your BU UCU Executive Committee