Glasgow Caledonian University (UCU) Strike Calendar
Strike Type: Education
Latest Glasgow Caledonian University Industrial Action Updates (3)
Lecturers at Glasgow Caledonian University, represented by the Educational Institute of Scotland University Lecturers Association, are initiating a strike this week due to a disagreement concerning job cuts and redundancies.
The union has formally notified the university and is requesting management to resume negotiations with an assurance to eliminate compulsory redundancies.
Union members are worried about job security, the increased workload for remaining staff, and the potential negative effects on academic offerings and the student educational experience.
The planned industrial action follows a decision made by members who oppose the university's reduction program, viewing the strike as a final option to protect jobs and educational standards.
The proposed elimination of 100 jobs, coupled with management's refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies, has caused significant discontent on campus, especially after a costed proposal from unions to prevent the cuts was dismissed.
Despite the university possessing substantial cash reserves, management has declined to extend the collective consultation period, which is set to conclude shortly, and has unilaterally shortened the pay protection period for redeployed staff.
The industrial action is scheduled to affect all university graduation days during the summer months to maximize impact, with support expressed by students for the lecturers campaigning against the redundancies.
The union continues to press the university to reconsider its stance and engage in productive dialogue to resolve the issue, thereby avoiding disruption during a crucial academic period.
Staff at Glasgow Caledonian University have supported potential strikes concerning job cuts and the possibility of compulsory redundancies.
A ballot among union members resulted in 79% voting in favor of strike action, with a 69% turnout.
Additionally, 93% indicated a willingness to participate in action short of a strike, such as working strictly to contract.
The union members will now determine their subsequent actions following the ballot outcome.
The campus has also experienced demonstrations by staff and students opposing the proposed cuts.
University administration is proceeding with plans to eliminate up to 100 positions through a voluntary redundancy program, citing a predicted deficit of £10 million, despite the university not currently being in deficit.
There is a demand for management to reconsider proposals and rule out compulsory redundancies, as significant cuts are predicted to undermine teaching and educational provision.
The strong result demonstrates a clear instruction to take action if substantial dialogue does not occur.
Staff members at GCU are currently engaged in a ballot to decide on potential strike action or other measures in response to proposed job losses and the threat of compulsory redundancies.
Actions short of a strike could involve adhering strictly to work contracts and refusing to cover for absent colleagues.
This ballot stems from management's announcement to eliminate up to 100 positions via a voluntary redundancy program, citing a projected £10 million deficit, even though the university is not currently in deficit.
The union desires collaboration with management to preserve jobs and identify alternative savings, but insists that compulsory redundancies must be ruled out.
A recent joint rally demonstrated opposition to the cuts and compulsory redundancies, with support also voiced from students and another national union body.
There is a call for senior management to provide full financial transparency by opening the institution's financial records.
The union is willing to seek alternative savings but maintains that no jobs should be cut until all other possibilities have been exhausted.
Concerns have been raised about undermining the university's role in the community and its contribution to education targets.
Glasgow Caledonian University Strike Calendar
3 Strike Dates 4 Planned