UCU: Demilitarize and democratize USS and the HE sector

Motion

Motion text: HESC notes that:
1. USS reform enhances the DC part of the scheme and pensions’ dependence on profitable investment;
2. Following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, USS has written off £450 million of its equity investments in Russia;
3. Some universities suspended relationships with Russian universities;
4. USS and HE institutions have investments in companies profiting from war, occupation, borders and environmental destruction.
HESC believes that:
a. The lack of a coherent divestment policy contributes to escalating the conflict in, and beyond, Ukraine;
b. Targeting Russian universities fails to support anti-war efforts within and beyond Russia.
HESC resolves that UCU should:
i. Campaign for democratizing USS and HE institutions;
ii. Push USS and HE institutions immediately to divest from arms companies and companies profiting from war, occupation, borders and environmental destruction;
iii. Demand a coherent ethical investment and voting framework for USS and the HE sector.