WORKERS have “emphatically” backed strike action as they battle a pensions “cash grab” at the University of Strathclyde.

Support staff, including technicians, cleaners, plumbers, joiners, electricians and security voted 94 per cent on a 67 per cent turnout to take strike action after the university proposed removing them from the Strathclyde Pension Fund and into new scheme in a bid to access an almost £100 million pension surplus.

Their union, Unite, argues that the move will not only see workers lose thousands in wages in retirement, but is wholly unnecessary in an institution which ran a £46.8 million surplus from an income of £487.4m in 2023.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite’s members at the University of Strathclyde have emphatically backed strike action.

“Pensions are deferred wages which our members contribute towards over many years for their retirement.

“The university’s shameful cash grab from our hard-working members’ pension pots will be vigorously resisted.

“Strathclyde University workers will have Unite’s full support in defence of their pensions.”

If savings are to be made, Unite says, the university should look no further than its £3m-a-year executive team led by £400,000-a-year Professor Sir Jim McDonald, who will rake-in another £50,225 for just 91 days’ work as the new chair of Scottish Enterprise.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Alison MacLean said: “The University of Strathclyde has refused to meaningfully consult with us throughout this dispute.

“The university has an opportunity to bin its proposals and if they want to genuinely explore ways of improving its short-term financial position then Unite is willing to discuss ways to do this including tackling eye-watering executive pay.”

A spokesman for the university said: “Following further consultation with our staff we have recently shared an enhanced pension proposal.

“A decision regarding the proposed change of pension provider has not yet been made.”