Hundreds of Strathclyde University workers balloted for strike action over job cuts

Hundreds of workers at the University of Strathclyde are to be balloted for strike action amid a row over job cuts.

Unite the Union said over 400 workers will be balloted in response to proposed job cuts and “a failure by the institution to consult on organisational change”.

In December, it was confirmed that the university is set to cut more than 70 full-time posts, in a bid to make cost savings of £35m over the next two years.

The university said it is implementing £20m of planned savings this year and £15m next year, with jobs under threat.

Unite say the university has failed to “fully consult unions over the planned cuts to jobs and to rule out compulsory redundancies”.

Last month, the University and College Union (UCU) said any use of compulsory redundancies would be unacceptable.

Potential strike action following a successful ballot would impact cleaning and maintenance services, along with the security of buildings and student residences.

The ballot opened on January 16 and will close on February 16.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Strathclyde University cannot get away with treating its dedicated workers with such contempt; many are understandably fearing for their livelihoods.

“The university is in a strong financial position, and there is no need for it to take such punitive measures.

“Our members have been left with no option but to take a stand in defence of jobs, pay and conditions.”

Mike Williamson from the UCU said: “We will use any tool at our disposal to stop these job losses and will be consulting our members at Strathclyde over the coming weeks as we decide what to do.”

The institution, named Scotland’s University of the Year this year, says the savings allow it to “reshape its finances to continue to deliver excellent teaching, research and innovation”.

A spokesman for the University of Strathclyde said: “The financial pressures on the UK university sector are well documented.

“Strathclyde maintains a strong strategic, academic and reputational position, and we are proactively reshaping our finances to ensure we continue to deliver excellent teaching, research and innovation.

“This is a continuation of the approach we have taken over the past two years to manage costs and increase income.

“Using a wide range of measures, we are implementing £20m of planned savings this year and £15m next year.”