Walkout at University of Winchester over job cuts plans
A union's claiming staff could be forced into working 'unmanageable' hours
Staff at the University of Winchester are going on strike today (June 4th) in a dispute over plans to cut around 40 academic jobs.
The University and College Union (UCU) fears the changes will lead to remaining workers being forced into 'unmanageable' working hours.
Lat month, 79% of UCU members voted to take industrial action on Tuesday and action short of strikes on Wednesday, including working to rule and refusing to cover for absent colleagues.
A picket at the university's main entrance on Sparkford Road gets underway at 8am.
The university claims it needs to make the cuts because of a £6m structural deficit and UCU fears there will be more to come.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said:
"University of Winchester staff have been forced to strike because management refuses to listen and is pushing ahead with compulsory redundancies that will have a devastating impact on staff and students.
"Our members have now faced constant redundancy cycles for half a decade, leaving morale at an all-time low.
"We are prepared to take further strike action next semester unless management begins meaningful negotiations over its threatened cuts and punitive new workload model."
A spokesperson for the University of Winchester said:
"Universities across the country are facing very serious financial challenges, with real term cuts of £6bn in tuition fee income since 2017 and sharply rising costs.
"Within this context, the University of Winchester is acting responsibly in its use of public funding, by considering all cost saving options whilst maintaining the high quality of its student education and support.
"Every effort is being made to secure savings through all means possible. It is important to emphasise that the proposals upon which we have consulted reflect the challenging financial circumstances facing the university sector as a whole and are not a reflection of the dedication and performance of those affected.
"The University of Winchester is having to take action to ensure that it can continue fulfilling its mission to deliver transformational education in Winchester and Hampshire."