GCU strikes: University financial decisions 'deeply offensive' to staff
Staff at Glasgow Caledonian University are walking out on strike over job cuts as the university invests millions in land purchase
Financial decisions being taken by a strike-hit university are “deeply offensive” to staff, a union has claimed.
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) working at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) have walked out on the first of six days strike action.
They oppose management plans to cut around 50 jobs despite the university not being in financial deficit.
GCU recently purchased land near its Glasgow city centre campus that is believed to have cost around £4.5 million.
UCU claims the university’s priorities are “out of step” given the decision to make investments while simultaneously cutting staff.
However, a spokeswoman for GCU said it was “unfortunate” the unions were not explicit that the university is purchasing for development and selling vacant sites as part of a long-standing land strategy.
Karen Lorimer, GCU UCU branch president, said: “The fact that university management are investing millions in property for which the use is unclear at the same time as cutting staff simply doesn’t make sense and will be deeply offensive to those staff losing their jobs.
“We’ve engaged openly with management to try and find a way forward that doesn’t involve swingeing job cuts but with no success.
“GCU is in a strong financial position with operating surpluses and with cash reserves.
“There is no financial requirement for management to make these cuts.”
The university announced in March plans to cut up to 100 posts.
With staff taking voluntary redundancy, the number of roles management want to cut is now approximately 50.
As well as striking on Tuesday, members of the branch will also be on strike on September 24 and 29 and on October 1, 6 and 8.
“Staff here want to be welcoming new and returning students to our campus, but the refusal to rule out using compulsory redundancies means the principal and her senior management team have left us with no alternative but to strike,” Ms Lorimer added.
“Before the next round of strike action next month, we urge management to reconsider, to engage meaningfully with the unions on campus and rule out compulsory redundancies so this dispute can end.”
The dispute occurs as Dundee and Edinburgh universities also face industrial action.
At GCU, UCU members have already taken three days of strikes and members of other unions on the campus have also taken industrial action.
The cuts and job losses have been raised in the Scottish Parliament.
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, said: “GCU celebrated its 150th anniversary last month which should be a time for celebration.
“But instead staff are having to strike to defend jobs and stop possible compulsory redundancies. “It’s clear that the university’s financial position was and remains strong and management’s decision to spend millions on property reinforces this.
“It’s the staff and students that make a university, and choosing land and buildings over them throws into question the judgement of the university’s senior management.”
“The University is experiencing a significant reduction in recurring income, and alongside the challenging and unpredictable financial climate, it would be deeply irresponsible for the University to draw on reserves as the unions suggest,” the GCU spokeswoman added.
“Our door remains open and we are willing to continue discussions with the unions where there is a realistic prospect of resolving the dispute. In the meantime, we are putting plans in place to minimise disruption to students.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.