Dundee University staff launch vote of no confidence
Around 1,000 employees gathered in the Dalhousie Building yesterday
Staff at the University of Dundee have launched a vote of no confidence against management at the institution.
Around 1,000 employees gathered in the Dalhousie Building yesterday to discuss the ongoing crisis at the university.
North East MSP Maggie Chapman attended the meeting, which was organised by campus unions.
The Scottish Greens representative told Tay FM:
'What came across very very clearly was that staff care deeply about the institution; about Dundee University being the beating heart of the city, and they are really worried about what all of this is doing to that beating heart."
She explained that the uncertainty around jobs, students and the institution's national and international reputation has been having a profound impact on staff: 'One member of staff said 'I feel like I cannot breath'. It's that sense of desperate frustration."
Dundee university's budget deficit of up to £30 million pounds was also a topic of discussion at First Minister's Question's on Thursday.
North East Scotland MSP Maurice Golden asked the First Minister for short and long term reassurances for staff.
John Swinney - who's also the MSP for Perthshire North - said he is concerned about the situation and it is a very important university in the locality that he represents.
Mr Swinney has said the Scottish Government wishes to be kept 'very close' to discussions about the university's future so they can provide the reassurances Mr Golden has asked of them.
A spokesperson for Dundee University said:
“Professor Shane O’Neill, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor, attended the town hall meeting at the invitation of the campus unions, to listen to the views of staff from across our community and acknowledged the uncertainty at a time of considerable challenges for the University.”