HUNDREDS of workers at the University of Strathclyde start a two-week strike today against what their union has branded a “shameful cash grab” on pensions. 

Cleaners, joiners, electricians, plumbers and security staff at the university voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action last month in response to management proposals to remove them from the Strathclyde Pension Fund and into the Universities Superannuation Scheme. 

They fear the change will not only cost them thousands of pounds a year in retirement but mean higher contributions while at work.

Workers and their union Unite argue the move is a bid to access the £100 million surplus in the Strathclyde fund, even though the university generated a £2.4m surplus last year and saw its reserves grow from £402.9m to £565.9m between 2023 and 2024.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is nothing but a shameful cash grab on the pensions of hard-working and loyal workers, some of whom have spent their whole working lives at the university.”

Comparing Unite members’ situation with the soaring pay of executives at the university, the union’s regional co-ordinating officer Alison MacLean said: “Cleaners, plumbers and security staff are all having to strike to protect their hard-earned retirement.

“Make no mistake, our members stand to lose thousands of pounds in their retirement. Yet this attack doesn’t need to happen.

“The management team is attacking some of its poorest-paid workers while exorbitant executive pay remains untouched.

“Unite will not accept this and we will fight these proposals every step of the way.” 

A spokesperson for the University of Strathclyde management said it is “disappointed Unite members have chosen to take strike action,” adding: “The university remains committed to providing an excellent pension provision to its staff.”