Glasgow Caledonian University staff to strike for two weeks over compulsory redundancies

Staff at Glasgow Caledonian University are set to walk out for two weeks in protest over compulsory redundancies.

Security staff, cleaners, couriers, accommodation and registry workers at the university are to strike over a 15-day period from October 1, Unison said.

More than 100 roles remain at risk of redundancy across the university.

Employees will collectively walk out on Thursday and on October 15, while individual staff groups will take selective strike action every day during the next two weeks.

Earlier this year, university bosses announced a major restructuring to help tackle the projects £10m financial blackhole.

Unison Glasgow Caledonian University branch secretary Davena Rankin said: “It’s difficult to justify up to 100 compulsory redundancies when the university’s financial position has improved and cash reserves have increased.

“Compulsory redundancies are not the answer. Staff want to support students and help the university succeed, but they need confidence that their jobs are secure.

“Announcing further strikes has not been taken lightly but staff cannot stand by while colleagues are forced to pay the price for decisions they did not make.

“We are ready to work with university leaders to find a better way forward. There is still time, but the university must abandon compulsory redundancies and work with staff on a sustainable solution protecting jobs and students.”

Unison Scotland regional organiser Janet Stewart said: “Staff have been patient and have made clear they want a resolution to this dispute.

“These are experienced staff doing essential work. Their roles in supporting students and keeping the university operating mustn’t be taken for granted.

“The prospect of losing up to 100 jobs is deeply concerning, not only for those facing redundancy but for the students who depend on these services.

“The university has a choice. It can continue down the road of compulsory redundancies, or work with staff to find a fairer solution. Unison remains ready to negotiate and resolve this dispute.”

What is Glasgow Caledonian University saying?

A spokesperson for the university said that, while they cannot rule out compulsory redundancies, they have reduced the number of roles at risk from 100 to 40 through various measures.

They said: “We are disappointed that our trade unions have voted to strike. The university is experiencing a significant reduction in recurring income alongside the challenging and unpredictable financial climate.

“If we are to continue to deliver for our students, we must remain on a sound financial footing, which unfortunately means making difficult decisions now.

“We take our responsibilities very seriously, which is why it is disappointing that the unions have failed to provide proposals which take account of a downside scenario.

”The measures that the unions have suggested as alternatives to compulsory redundancies have largely already been undertaken by the university, including vacancy rationalisation, other non-pay reductions and a Mutual Severance Scheme.

“It is by these measures that the university has been able to reduce the number of roles at risk from 100 to 40.

“While voluntary measures remain our preferred approach, we cannot rule out compulsory redundancies if the required savings are not achieved. No compulsory redundancies have been made to date.

“Most classes and activities are scheduled to go ahead, and we are working to minimise any impact on students and will communicate directly with those affected should disruption occur.”