Strikes likely at Strathclyde University as staff vote for industrial action

In the ballot of UCU Scotland members at the university, 80% of those voting backed strike action on a turnout of 58%.  87% also said they would be willing to take part in action short of strike which can include working to contract, not covering for absent colleagues, or undertaking voluntary activities.  Action short of strike could also include a marking an assessment boycott. Following the ballot for industrial action, UCU members at the university will now decide the next steps.

The dispute follows university senior management claiming that they need to make cuts of £35million over two years, with around 70 people currently affected, and more announcements expected. The cuts are focused across three out of four of university's faculties with the university's Institute of Education the most affected. Despite being pushed by UCU and the other unions on the campus, senior management have so far refused to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies in making their cuts, or to open a university-wide voluntary severance scheme. Throughout the dispute, the union has been clear that the use of compulsory redundancies is a red line. The union said it was also concerned about so called 'protected conversations' where staff have reported feeling pressured into leaving.

Jen Remnant, Strathclyde UCU branch chair, said: 'This vote is a clear indication that staff at Strathclyde are determined to protect the university, fight for every job and ensure that no one leaves through compulsory redundancy. We're clear that the threat of compulsory redundancies needs to be taken off the table and that staff deserve transparency and respect. The university should evidence it's 'people oriented' values and support employees to have a full say in the future of their jobs and the future direction of the university more broadly, to the benefit of all staff and students.'

Jo Grady, UCU General Secretary, said: 'Strathclyde University is integral to higher education in Glasgow and Scotland. Losing staff from the university right now at a time when workloads are already unmanageable can't be done without damaging the student experience and the university's reputation.  Members at Strathclyde have shown their determination to protect jobs. It is time now that senior managers listen to the university's staff and finally rule out the use of compulsory redundancies.'