Dundee university staff back strike action
It comes amid threats of job cuts and a £30m deficit
Staff at the University of Dundee are backing strike action in a dispute over the university’s £30million deficit and plans to cut jobs.
The University and College Union (UCU) balloted its members and 74% of those who voted backed industrial action on a turnout of 64%.
The university principal shocked staff in November by announcing that the university was £30million in deficit.
Professor Iain Gillespie later resigned from his post.
Management at the centre has refused to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies and has not yet announced the size of cuts or the number of staff it is looking to make redundant.
A resilience committee was set up to include staff and trade unions in talks about the centre’s future, however both groups say they have not yet been given key information.
The local UCU branch is due to meet later to consider its next steps.
Dundee University UCU branch co-president, Melissa D’Ascenzio, said: “By voting in these numbers UCU members at the University of Dundee have been crystal clear that the university needs to think again cutting jobs and the use of compulsory redundancies.
“The ballot result is a mandate for industrial action and to oppose job cuts.
“We remain absolutely committed to the university and are ready to play our part in helping deliver a sustainable future.
“Senior managers need to listen to their staff, unions and local politicians, including the Minister, and engage openly and honestly about the best future for the university, its students and staff, and the city.”
The University of Dundee has been approached for comment.
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