University Staff Industrial Action
University Staff Industrial Action
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Our university staff have just voted to take industrial action against the University if their dispute remains unresolved; this could result in a formal strike taking place. We want you to decide the Student Unions position on the dispute!
We are your voice across the University, so we’re asking you to tell us whether you support the University Staff in their dispute:
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Context of the dispute
From the UCU
The University and Colleges Union (UCU) have voted to be able to take industrial action against the University if their dispute remains unresolved. They have stated that this dispute is centred around three concerns:
The UCU has said “the University has taken a recommendation to shrink the staff equivalent of 41 full-time jobs. The university have not committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies as part of this reduction, nor to ensuring staff time to undertake their current duties, such as research.”
The UCU have said “Scholar is a team which has provided online education to high schools and other audiences. Scholar has also delivered material and services to Heriot-Watt students, especially via the Maths Gym.”
From the University
On the other hand, the University has said “From the University Executive perspective, this dispute is premature, and we have expressed this view directly with the University and College Union (UCU).
The University Executive added “We have undertaken a very detailed analysis of all degree programmes, to ensure we have the right level of staffing in support of an excellent student experience and the best outcomes for our students. Whilst this has resulted in a reduction in staffing levels in some areas of the University, we are also hiring staff with different expertise to support growth areas”
We have, however, committed to both trade unions and our staff, to doing all we can to mitigate the need for redundancies. We continue to meet UCU to discuss the areas of dispute with a view to resolving these, avoiding disruption to students.”
A note from us
We want to make clear that this does not necessarily mean industrial action will happen, but that the UCU are now legally able to if the dispute remains unresolved.
FAQs
What is industrial action?
Industrial action is the overall term for actions that a trade union might take in response to failed discussions with an employer on specific topics. This includes strike action, where employees do not turn up to work.
What are compulsory redundancies?
Compulsory redundancies are central to this wave of industrial action. Compulsory redundancies allow the University to require staff to leave their jobs due to their jobs not being considered necessary anymore. This occurs without the employee choosing to go.
Do staff get paid when they’re on strike?
No. UCU members take a pay cut when they are on strike. These unused funds usually get added to the University’s student hardship fund.
Does my vote affect whether strikes happen?
No. Industrial action is decided by members of the UCU through their own legal process. This vote only determines the Student Union’s Position.
Regardless of outcome, the Union will continue to advocate for fair treatment of students during any disruption.
How will this impact my classes / assessments / deadlines?
If industrial action takes place, some students may experience disruption to some teaching, marking, and feedback, and to a lesser extent certain assessment related activities. All students are protected academically with an automatic Mitigating Circumstances if impacted.
The University’s well-established policies ensure that no student will be academically disadvantaged as a result of circumstances beyond their control, including industrial action.
Why will the Student Union not actively oppose the dispute if students vote not to support?
Neutrality is not the same as endorsing the dispute, but it also avoids placing the Union in direct opposition to staff exercising lawful industrial action.
Actively opposing a dispute would move the Union from representing student academic interests into intervening in an employment matter between staff and the University, which sits outside the Union’s representative role.