Teaching staff at The University of Edinburgh have voted in favour of further strike action amid ongoing budget cuts.
Of the 60 per cent of members who voted, 86 per cent backed strike action, with a further 94 per cent supporting action short of a strike like working to contract and refusing to cover absent colleagues.
The University and Colleges Union (UCU) has been conducting strike action since February, when Sir Peter Mathieson emailed staff to announce that the university aimed to make savings of £140 million through budget cuts. He refused to rule out compulsory redundancy to do this.
The vote is the second on strike action held by the UCU, being mandated by trade union laws to re-ballot members if strike action lasts for longer than six months.
The strike is now in its eight month, and the re-ballot means that industrial action can take place throughout semester one and two’s exam periods.
Sophia Woodman, Edinburgh UCU branch president, said: “The hard line taken by the principal and senior managers, with courses cuts, casualised staff being forced out and the threat of thousands of further cuts and compulsory redundancies, has only led to increased disenchantment among staff.
“Their actions have directly led to this overwhelming ballot result for further industrial action including the possibility of more strikes and a marking boycott. Students know who’s to blame with industrial action on the cards for the remainder of the academic year.
“It’s time for the principal to engage with staff and students, and to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies. The university can afford it and senior management’s continued refusal is doing nothing but extend this dispute and ensuring continued disruption for our students.”
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, said: “With staff already being forced out, and an estimate of up to 1,800 jobs at risk, what Peter Mathieson is presiding over at Edinburgh university is nothing short of academic vandalism at one of the country’s most respected universities.
“I’m proud that UCU members are refusing to back down. This ballot result shows their resolve. Before this dispute escalates further, university senior managers need to reflect on where their actions are taking the university and engage urgently and seriously with the union.”
The union has previously estimated that up to 1,800 FTE jobs could be lost through budet cuts, with over 350 staff already taking voluntary redundancy. The UCU has claimed that remaining staff have been left “with ever increasing workloads” and many remain on “precarious” fixed-term contracts.
Recently, the UCU criticised the university for an email which claimed that the budget cuts would not negatively impact the student experience, but instead would be used to enhance it. In response to these claims, Sir Peter Mathieson told The Tab Edinburgh: “Taking decisive action now is the responsible approach to prevent far greater challenges in the future.
“Engaging openly and listening to our community remains our priority. We are regularly sharing updates on how we are identifying ways to reduce outgoings to sustainable levels, while continuing to deliver world-leading research and exceptional teaching.
“We have been transparent about the savings needed to secure our financial footing. These challenges are not unique to Edinburgh as institutions across the country are facing similar pressures.”
The union has also called it a “slap in the face” to striking staff that Sir Peter, the vice-chancellor of the university, is able to live in his £2 million New Town mansion rent free and with all bills paid for by the university.
Previously, the UCU has conducted strike action during the university’s Freshers’ Week. In response, Sir Peter Mathieson told The Tab Edinburgh: ”
“The higher education sector across the UK is facing serious and urgent financial challenges, placing its long-term stability under threat.
“We have been transparent about the impact of these pressures on Edinburgh and the steps we are taking to proactively maintain our position as a world-leading University.
“We respect colleagues’ right to take part in industrial action and will do everything we can to minimise any disruption to our students and planned Welcome Week activities.
“We continue to engage regularly with the joint trade unions, staff and our students, and remain firmly committed to ongoing dialogue as we take the necessary steps to safeguard the future of our University.”
Featured image via The University of Edinburgh.
