Thread by @DrJoGrady

UCU members have already demonstrated significant compromise. The ballot that ended strike action was a massive act of compromise. That compromise produced the JEP, & the JEP has vindicated & endorsed the position of UCU members. It has demonstrated the necessity of #USSstrike

https://twitter.com/DrJoGrady/status/1040226061081042944

The #USSstrike resulted in many of us losing 14 days pay. It required emotional support from loved ones. In some cases it diminished us in the eyes of some colleagues, and in other cases it resulted in punitive actions or threats from our employers.

If compromises are to be made, it is fair to demand they come from @UniversitiesUK & our employers. The JEP makes clear that with minor tweaks USS is sound. As such we need to understand the #USSstrike as employer initiated industrial action. We were left with no choice.

Some compromises they could make. Feel free to add👇

- Repay strike deductions💰

Big institutions like Manchester saved over £1mn in salaries during the USS dispute. Many unis intend to spend this on students affected by action, but employers caused that disruption, not us.

- Cover USS cost sharing increases for staff

Leaked docs by PwC reveal that employers can afford this. They can afford to pay a rate of 21%. Stopping industrial action delivered the JEP, but also delivered triggering of cost sharing.

medium.com/ussbriefs/stay…

-Repay the money they saved in underpayments

During 1999-2008 employers underpaid into USS, meanwhile we paid full contributions. Repaying that cash would do a lot to restore good will and faith.

medium.com/ussbriefs/a-br…