TUTORS at Kirklees College and Huddersfield University plan to strike in a row over pensions.
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) will join the national action tomorrow against changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension.
The dispute centres around attempts to raise the retirement age, increase contributions for members and bring an end to the final salary element of the scheme.
A spokesman for the university said about half its 408 academic staff were members of the union, but it was not yet clear if there would be any disruption to teaching.
He added: “The vice-chancellor has written to all staff urging them to keep the university open.”
A spokeswoman for Kirklees College said it anticipated a number of tutors would be taking part in the UCU action but said exams would not be affected. They were unsure of the exact number of UCU members at the college.
Chris Sadler, principal at Kirklees College, said: “Kirklees College has adapted timetables and teaching resource, wherever possible, to limit the impact of the strike on the learners’ experience.
“A limited number of curriculum areas will be closed on Thursday, the flexible learning centre and library will remain open and exams will take place as planned.”
Lecturers from the University of Leeds and the University of Bradford began a two-day walkout yesterday.
UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “University staff really value their pension rights and have made it clear from the start of this dispute that if the employers were not prepared to negotiate then we would be left with little option but to take strike action.”
Kirklees College classes open as usual: Access and science, animal care, creative industries, ESOL, hospitality and catering, health and social care, AAT classes (accounting).
Curriculum areas closed: Hair and beauty, construction, sport, leisure, tourism and public services, business and professional studies, computing and ICT, foundation learning, adult basic education, motor vehicle.
