Lecturers at four Scottish universities are currently voting on the possibility of strike action in response to proposed budget cuts and job losses. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) from Aberdeen, Stirling, Heriot-Watt, and Strathclyde universities are being asked whether they support strikes and if they are willing to engage in actions short of a strike, such as working to contract and boycotting assessments.
The ballot follows reports that senior management at all four institutions have not ruled out the possibility of compulsory redundancies as they attempt to reduce costs. According to the UCU, over 40 staff members at Aberdeen University have already left voluntarily under its Adapting for Continued Success programme, yet the university has not dismissed the option of enforced job losses.
At Heriot-Watt University, plans are in place to cut at least 41 jobs in Scotland and 10 jobs at its Malaysian campus, with management failing to rule out compulsory redundancies. Stirling University has seen 175 staff leave voluntarily in recent months, but further cuts, including possible compulsory redundancies, are under consideration. This situation has raised eyebrows, particularly as Principal Gerry McCormac has recently become the highest-paid university principal in Scotland.
Strathclyde University is planning to eliminate 76 jobs as part of an initiative to save £35 million. The UCU has urged Strathclyde to engage in meaningful consultations regarding these proposed changes. This potential strike action arises in the wake of recent walkouts at the University of Dundee, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). While the dispute at UHI was resolved before Christmas, UCU members at Edinburgh decided to suspend strike action after receiving several concessions from the university, including a commitment to no compulsory redundancies for the current academic year.
UCU General Secretary Jo Grady stated, “We’re just days into the New Year and once again universities across Scotland are facing the possibility of industrial action, with members being forced to vote for strike action to defend jobs and force university principals to rule out compulsory redundancies.” She emphasized the record number of job cuts occurring across Scottish universities and urged university leaders to listen to their staff before disputes escalate into strikes that could disrupt students.
The voting process opens on Monday, February 5, 2024, and will continue into mid-February, with Strathclyde’s ballot closing on February 9, followed by Heriot-Watt and Aberdeen on February 16, and Stirling on February 17.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for Aberdeen University remarked, “There have been drop-in sessions and workshops about Adapting for Continued Success and more are taking place in January. It’s disappointing to see a ballot being organised when we are still at the engagement and planning phase of the programme.”
A representative from the Scottish Government acknowledged the importance of universities in the economy and society, stating that the government is investing £1.1 billion in the sector this year. The spokesperson also highlighted the challenges facing universities, including the UK Government’s immigration policies affecting international student enrollment and an additional £48 million in costs resulting from increased national insurance contributions.
While universities operate autonomously, the Scottish Government expects them to engage constructively with trade unions to resolve disputes, emphasizing that compulsory redundancies should only be a last resort after exploring all other cost-saving measures.
A representative of Heriot-Watt University expressed disappointment over the timing of the UCU’s actions, stating, “We remain committed to constructive dialogue and collaboration over the issues identified.” They highlighted that their paid leaver scheme has attracted significant interest, which could help reduce the need for compulsory redundancies.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Strathclyde University noted the financial pressures facing the UK university sector and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a strong academic and reputational position. They indicated ongoing consultations with trade unions regarding proposed changes and the university’s plans to implement £20 million in savings this year and £15 million next year.
Stirling University has yet to provide a comment on the situation. The outcome of the strike ballots will be closely monitored, as they could have significant implications for the academic landscape in Scotland.
