The University and Colleges Union (UCU) asked those of its members who work at older universities, such as City, to participate in an assessment boycott last month. This is an industrial action for their proposals to reform pensions in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) and it involves universities across the country.
Susannah Marsden, City’s director of Student and Academic Services, said that the UCU had “agreed to consult with their members” to halt the boycott, and that “if members agree” the industrial action could be suspended from next Thursday until January.
She went on to say that “City University London continues to be committed to supporting you and limiting the impact of any potential assessment boycott” and agreed to keep students informed of the negotiations.
Since this, Rima Amin, President of the Student Union, said that the boycott is “suspended whilst negotiation takes place” and that “if successful, there will be no boycott”. However, if the industrial action remains underway January exams may be affected.
This action will potentially cause disruption to many students, as lecturers – who are members of UCU – will refuse to set coursework, give feedback and mark essays or exams. Many students have been left feeling frustrated by the lack of feedback considering fees are £9,000 per year.
The increasingly volatile row centres around changes to the USS, one of the UK’s largest pension plans, which would see scheme members lose thousands of pounds in retirement. UUK wants to end the final salary element of the scheme for all USS members and move them to a career average (career revalued benefits or CRB) scheme of £50,000.