Students protesting changes to their lecturers’ pensions have ended their occupation of part of Dundee University’s Tower Building after 14 days.
New proposals about the pensions have been put forward by Universities UK and these will be discussed at a University and College Union (UCU) meeting in London on Wednesday.
Academics have been locked in a bitter row over plans to end the defined benefit of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension – a move they say could cost thousands of pounds in retirement.
A group of activists calling themselves Dundee Students Support UCU Pensions Strike held rallies in support of their tutors and occupied a corridor near the office of Dundee University’s principal and vice-chancellor Professor Sir Pete Downes.
A spokesperson for the student group said: “After 14 days we have unanimously agreed to temporarily end our action of occupation of the fourth floor of the Tower Building.
“We believe that the new offer that has been put on the table by UUK would not have been achieved without the strong showing of solidarity between students and staff around the country.
“While this offer is certainly not all we hoped for, it is a huge improvement on the offer that was issued on the first day of our occupation – March 12.”
Sharon Sweeney, branch president of Dundee’s branch of UCU, said: “The action continues and there will be a meeting in UCU, London on Wednesday this week where branches will meet to discuss the paper that came out from UUK on Friday afternoon.
“The Higher Education Committee will meet thereafter.
“I would thank the students for their support whilst we were on strike and to the group who were involved in the occupation.
“For the striking workers, the support of the students and discussions on the picket line strengthened their resolve to maintain the strike.
“Students fully understand that an attack on their academic and academic-related staff’s pensions is a threat to the existence of public sector pensions in their careers.
“The physical occupation may have come to an end but their campaign will continue with the same level of energy and respect.”
