Bosses at the University of Dundee are close to agreeing a new pensions deal with striking support staff.
Dundee Live understands that University chiefs have agreed to take their controversial "defined contributions" (DC) pension plan off of the table.
They are proposing to replace it with a watered-down "defined benefit" (DB) plan similar to the existing plan - said to be welcomed by union organisers.
The details of the agreement are yet to be ratified by union members, and the University of Dundee has declined to comment.
A spokesperson for the university said: "We have made a proposal to the three campus unions involved (Unite, UNISON and UCU) and are hopeful of agreeing a way forward for positive discussions very soon."
Staff remain on strike at this time, maintaining a picket line outside the University on Perth Road, but are hopeful of a deal being struck next week.
They have garnered support from across the political spectrum, with Dundee councillors unanimously passing a motion of support last week.
North East Green MSP Maggie Chapman raised the dispute in parliament yesterday, sparking a response from further education minister Jamie Hepburn.
Susan Robertson, Unite regional industrial officer, said: "We had a meeting with the university last week which was one of the most constructive to date.
"The university's stance has certainly changed and that came from pressure from us being on the picket line, from Dundee City Council - it's been a combination of political and industrial will."
Plans to change the pension plan of non-academic staff - those on the six lowest pay grades - were announced in March.
The move to a DC plan would see clerical workers lose out on a guaranteed retirement sum and, according to the union, may even see some pension pots halved in value.
After months of talks failed to find a resolution, hundreds of workers represented by Unite, Unison and the UCU walked out last month and have now been on strike for ten days.
Today, union reps, councillors and even students spoke on the picket line to offer their support.
Clyde Williamson, a 20-year-old student at DJCAD, came dressed as what he claimed was university principal Iain Gillespie's missing ear - representing the institution's failure to listen to its workers.
Gillespie's salary is thought to be in the region of £230,000-£250,000 a year, based on recent university accounts.
Williamson said: "I think the way the university is treating its staff is disgusting. As students, we're part of that working class and we're struggling as well.
"It's sad that this is what it has come to but the fact that it has come to this as a last resort of them is scary.
"It's a 40-50% cut in their pensions - it makes me wonder, if we came to work at the university would they cut it even more?"
Cllr Lynne Short, equalities spokesperson at Dundee City Council, read out a statement on behalf of council leader John Alexander, who is currently attending COP26 in Glasgow.
She said: "You already know that across the political divide, we have clearly and unequivocally supported your campaign for dignity and equity from the University of Dundee.
"You don’t need me, or any other politician, to tell you how important your work is, how your commitment to the University and to the city is something you should be proud of or how you shouldn’t be having to stand in the November cold to fight for respect from your employer."
Sarah Browne, of Unite, told gathered strikers: "This was such a difficult decision to make. None of us wanted to withdraw our labour but we had to.
"After seven, eight months of this, this has had an impact and it has been great to get the support of students who have realised that our fight is their fight."
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