Conference notes:
- The imposition on 10 May, using the chair’s casting vote, of the employers’ proposals for USS reform which will introduce an inferior CARE scheme for new entrants
- The danger of accepting a divisive two-tier pensions system given the employers’ determination to cut costs and make employees pay more
- The impact of the acceptance of a CARE scheme on colleagues in TPS
- The success of strike action in March to defend USS which saw many branches increase their membership
- The reluctance by the HEC to sanction further industrial action as an immediate response to the employers.
Conference resolves:
- To affirm its support in principle for a final pension salary scheme in recognition that the proposed CARE scheme cannot offer the same level of benefits
- To launch a programme of industrial action to defend USS that starts as soon as is possible and effective.
Proposed: Des Freedman
Seconded: Natalie Fenton
Passed overwhelmingly 18 May 2011