I just wanted to state my backing of our lecturers in their current and future strike action over the changes to their pension schemes. I think it’s outrageous and unfair how much they are set to lose if the proposed changes go ahead. I myself currently intend to stay in academia in the future and would like to eventually become a lecturer, however the proposed changes to the pension scheme certainly puts me off the idea. How can you spent 40-odd years in such an important profession only to then spend retirement potentially living below the poverty line under the new pension plans. Especially considering that the amount paid in would be the same as in the current pension scheme.
I will be emailing the vice-chancellor of Newcastle University to express my views on the matter, and I encourage everybody to support our lecturers and university staff.
Rob