Teachers at Cheshire college strike over pension attacks

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.