UNION members at Aberystwyth University have voted overwhelmingly for a “level of strike action not seen before” in an escalating row over pension changes.

The institution, along with 60 others in the UK, could face widespread disruption next month after UCU members backed industrial action.

The ongoing battle over changes to their Universities Superannuation Scheme pensions has seen staff walk out in 2011 and 2014.

Aberystwyth has 407 UCU members, and in a vote last month 186 of the 215 who voted backed walking out after talks between the union and umbrella group Universities UK broke down.

UUK wants to transform the USS from a defined benefit scheme that gives a guaranteed retirement income to a defined contribution scheme where pension income is subject to stock market fluctuations.

The union said that two rounds of cuts in USS benefits since 2011 have left members with pensions worth less than those of school teachers and academics in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Aberystwyth University now faces staff walking out next month if the row is not resolved.

It would be hit with a wave of strikes and other forms of industrial action by UCU members - expected to start with a two-day walkout on Thursday, 22 February.

Other action would include union members working strictly to their contract, as well as refusing to undertake any voluntary duties.

Aberystwyth University declined to comment as the talks were on a “national level”.

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