Members of NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union at Abbey Gate College in Chester are taking strike action today over attacks on their pensions.

The College is planning to remove staff from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and enrol them in an inferior scheme, which will pay out less in retirement. Staff can opt to remain in the TPS, but only on the condition they accept a significant cut to their pay.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said:

“Teachers at Abbey Gate are being told they have to choose between their pay or their pension, whether to be worse off now or worse off in retirement. This is an invidious choice that no worker should have to face.

“These plans are unnecessary and unjust and are no way to treat hard working and dedicated teachers who rightly expect to be treated decently by their employer in return for the effort they put in for their pupils.

“We once again urge the employer to recognise the damage these plans are doing to the morale of staff and withdraw them immediately.”

Brian McConnell, NASUWT National Executive Member for Chester, said:             

“We do not believe that there is any financial or budgetary necessity for Abbey Gate to downgrade teachers’ pensions.

“We have made every effort to work with the employer to seek to avoid strike action, but their failure to engage seriously with us has left us with no other choice.

“Teachers should not be expected to meekly accept losing out on their pay, pensions and future financial security.”