Heriot-Watt University staff in Edinburgh vote for further possible strike action in re-ballot
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Heriot-Watt staff vote for further possible strike action in re-ballot
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University have backed further possible strike action in a re-ballot over cuts and compulsory redundancies.
The ballot - which ended at 5pm on Wednesday - saw members back the strikes by 70 per cent.
Eighty-five per cent of UCU members also backed action short of strike action — including working to contract, not covering for absent colleagues and a possible marking and assessment boycott. UCU now has a mandate for strike action that will last for 12 months. Teaching, research and student support at the university could be disrupted well into the new academic year. Branch members will now decide what further action to take.
Kate Sang, UCU branch president, said: “We’ve just finished another two days of well supported strike action, on top of the 10 days of strikes earlier this year. This new ballot result means that ongoing strikes and industrial action are a real possibility in the coming months and into the new term.
“The strength of the result shows that members are as determined as ever to protect jobs and to stop management’s use of unfair compulsory redundancies.
“We had a deal in place to pause compulsory redundancies but management’s apparent decision to go back on what they’d agreed was deeply disappointing. It's not too late though for them to agree to meet with us, to finally rule out compulsory redundancies and to end this dispute and the possibility of disruption for students coming to Heriot-Watt University in the new term.”
University staff were on strike over Friday and Monday—marking 12 days lost to strikes since the dispute began. The union has accused university bosses of rolling back on earlier promises for no compulsory redundancies in the university’s Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies before spring next year.
Jobs are also set to be lost, including by compulsory redundancy, in the Scholar programme which provides online learning to Scottish schools, according to the union.
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, said: “The strike last week and on Monday, and the strength of this ballot result should leave Heriot-Watt management with no doubts that members won’t back down over defending jobs and fighting compulsory redundancies. The branch has the full support of the union in their action.
“The new principal, when she takes up post next month, needs to make a fresh start, rule out compulsory redundancies and bring this dispute to an end.”
A Heriot-Watt University spokesperson said: “Like other universities, we are operating in the context of significant financial challenges facing the sector. To safeguard our long-term financial sustainability, we are taking measured and evidence-based action to ensure that our resources are aligned with an academic portfolio that is relevant, academically strong and financially sustainable. We have worked closely with the trade unions to resolve the dispute but fully respect their right to seek a mandate for strike action.
“The University proposed deferring compulsory redundancies and reducing the number of reductions as part of a broader package to resolve the dispute, which UCU has not accepted. The University has already achieved most of the required reductions through voluntary measures, including not filling vacancies, voluntary leaver packages, reductions in working hours, and redeployment and are working towards a total remaining staff reduction of fewer than 10.
“We remain willing to continue discussions and will now consider the next steps needed to ensure our programmes remain academically strong, properly resourced and financially sustainable.”