Dundee University staff back fresh strike action amid financial crisis

Staff at Dundee University have backed industrial action for a second time in a dispute over job cuts amid a financial crisis.

The University and College Union (UCU) say a ballot of members at the university found 72% of those who voted backed strike action, on a turnout of 58%.

90% of members voting also said that they would be willing to take part in action short of a strike, which could include working to contract and not covering for absent colleagues.

The financial crisis is now in its eleventh month when then-principal Professor Iain Gillespie announced £30m in cuts and possible compulsory redundancies.

UCU members backed industrial action, which led to walkouts earlier this year.

Senior management twice indicated compulsory redundancies would be ruled out, but a draft recovery plan suggested 390 posts could go, including 170 through compulsory means.

The Scottish Funding Council has since rejected the plan and asked the university to revise it.

Melissa D’Ascenzio, UCU branch co-president, said: “Staff have been more than patient as successive leaderships at Dundee have failed to find a sustainable way forward for our university which can carry the support of staff and students.

“This renewed mandate and the overwhelming nature of the ‘yes’ vote, shows that staff are as determined as ever to defend the university, and to ensure the university’s long-term future and protect jobs.

“We will now take time to consult with members over what the next steps are, but management at the university should be in no doubt that unless they rule out plans for the compulsory redundancies they’re repeatedly pushed and start to consult transparently and genuinely with staff and students, that strikes and the disruption that entails remain a distinct possibility.”

Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, said: “Almost a year on from the surprise announcement of the deficit and in a year when management failures have become clear, this ballot result demonstrates the continued resolve of staff and their determination to stand up for the university’s future.

“It is shameful that there remains a cloud of uncertainty over their future. It is beyond time that Professor Seaton and the rest of the leadership once and for all rule out the use of compulsory redundancies and work with us to deliver a future for the university that has the support of staff, students and the city.”

A Dundee University spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that DUCU have taken this course of action.

“We will continue to engage with all campus unions as we work with the Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Government to secure a sustainable future for the university.”