UCU: Defend our USS pensions: put pressure on employers

Motion

Motion text: Conference deplores:
1. An unnecessary valuation taking place during Covid and the proposed total contributions of 40-66%.
2. The flawed valuation approach.
3. The employers not (yet) standing up against USS to defend pensions.
4. The risk of scheme closure due to spiralling costs.
Conference instructs HEC to:
a. campaign for employers to join UCU in pressing for changes in the valuation, including 30 years for 'deficit' recovery, at least 65% growth assets, a cash flow approach and reasonable prudence. Or alternatively, for employers to cover the increased costs.
b. call a dispute with employers if they fail to deliver a) above
c. organise a December/January Special HE Sector Conference to discuss the campaign. This should be fully accessible to disabled members and those with older browsers and computers, including phone dial in.
d. initiate an industrial action ballot if employers fail to deliver on a) above.