UCU Ballot opens at Glasgow University

The university has targeted over 50 jobs losses in the Archaeology, Biomedical & Life Sciences and Education departments. The union says the job losses are unnecessary and will do lasting damage to the university's academic reputation.

Members at the union's annual meeting accused the university of breaking promises to staff and supported motions in favour of action, including a motion of no confidence in the principal.

Papers were sent out for the ballot last Thursday and it closes on 22 June, on the eve of the Court meeting that will finalise the job loss plans. Prior to the court meeting members will lobby court members.

Glasgow UCU President, Dave Anderson, said: 'We urge all members to firstly vote for industrial action today and to tell their colleagues to do the same. We send out a strong message that the university cannot treat our members this badly now or in the future. The university has broken its promises to staff and is putting its reputation on the line. Our members at the AGM showed their sense of frustration at management by passing a vote of no confidence in the principal.'

At the AGM, UCU General Secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Universities may think they can pick off our members but we will fight compulsory redundancies with all our might. However, we are still keen to get the matter resolved with minimum disruption and believe that a satisfactory solution is possible. We again call on our management to engage in discussion to resolve the dispute.'