Academics at St Andrews University could strike over fears they will be bottom of the table for staff pensions.
Staff at nine of Scotland’s oldest institutions, including St Andrews, Dundee and Stirling, have been balloted for industrial action over pension changes that could cost members £20,000 per year.
The University and College Union Scotland claim changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), which is facing a “sizeable deficit”, could lead to staff recruitment and retention problems.
UCU Scotland claims staff at “new” universities, members of the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme (STSS), would take home much more a year in retirement than colleagues at Russell Group institutions and the USS.
The union believes the likes of Dundee would be offering pension deals up to 36% worse than local rivals, such as Abertay.
UCU Scotland official Mary Senior said: “The Russell Group of universities and other self-described elite institutions often boast about being the leading lights of the Scottish and UK higher education sector.
“However, if these radical changes are forced through, they will be bottom of the table for staff pensions.
“Once prospective staff know that some of our most famous universities offerpensions up to 36% lower than the new universities, there will be real concerns about recruitment and retention of the brightest talent.”
UCU said it will be asking members to back plans for a marking boycott and to refuse to set exams. The ballot closes on Monday October 20.
The Employers Pensions Forum, which is handling negotiations, claimed UCU’s analysis was incorrect.
A spokesperson said: “This premature modelling and analysis that UCU are promoting is inaccurate as it is based on a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the employers’ proposals for reform.
“We are working with the UCU and the trustees of the USS to consider what reforms are necessary, and discussions concerning the financial position of the scheme and how this can be addressed are ongoing.”
A St Andrews University spokesperson said: “It is widely known that the USS, like many others, is facing a considerable deficit. There is not, however, a proposal on the table at the moment. It is our belief that all parties should be working together to address the underlying issues.”