The University Management have refused to negotiate with the UCU and have left our staff with no option but to strike. As a result, students are missing out on significant amounts of education which we have paid a lot for. These classes affect essays, dissertations and other assignments meaning we will suffer because of the stance the Vice Chancellor has taken. In a public meeting, the Vice Chancellor was asked about his pension and how the changes would affect him, and he replied by stating that he is unaffected by the changes because he has already paid in the maximum amount of money and is no longer in the scheme. It is shocking that the management at the University of Sussex can treat their staff this way, and risk their pensions like this. The management are using students as pawns on the negotiating table.

By signing this petition, you are showing support for the University staff, who are losing large amounts of their wage to strike, and putting further pressure on the Vice Chancellor to return to either further negotiate with the Union, or compensate the students who are losing out on education and money by demanding refunds for the class time missed.

It is time we questioned the Vice Chancellor on why he thinks this is acceptable. How would he feel if his pension was at risk.