Staff begin Freshers’ Week strike at Edinburgh University

Staff at the University of Edinburgh begin five days of strike action today.

Picket lines are expected to be set up at the entrances of various University buildings until September 12th.

The industrial action coincides with the university’s Welcome Week (Freshers’ Week).

A rally organised by striking staff is also expected at midday [Monday 8th].

Members of the University College Union (UCU) voted in favour of industrial action in June, protesting against the University’s potential use of mandatory dismissals.

The University claims to be facing a financial crisis, with £140 million worth of savings required.

Six days of strikes took place in June, and staff have since undertaken other actions like working to time and refusing to cover absences.

Peter Mathieson, the University’s Vice Chancellor, has previously said that the institution requires “a smaller staff base and lower operating costs” to cover funding pitfalls.

Over 350 staff have reportedly accepted voluntary redundancies, but the University has refused to rule out compulsory dismissals.

The UCU believe that as many as 1,800 jobs could be at risk as part of cost cutting measures.

UCU branch president Sophia Woodman said: “Students arriving this week on campus and starting their university journey should be able to be confident that they’ll complete their studies in a university that retains its current reputation for excellence and that offers students the courses they signed up for, as well as the support they need to do well in their studies.

“It’s impossible, though, to cut 1,800 staff from any university without seriously impacting the teaching, research and student experience and damaging the university’s reputation.

“No-one wants to go on strike, but staff are sounding the alarm about the impact of these cuts.

Most Read

Three guys who have slept with Bonnie Blue reveal what it’s like, in explicit detail

The least popular uni courses, that barely anyone in the UK bothers to study now

Woman ‘identified’ as ‘Phillies Karen’ responds after viral fight video over home run ball

“Staff are striking because they have no choice but to take this week’s action to force senior management to re-engage, to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies and to end this dispute.”

UCU general secretary Jo Grady added: “Edinburgh university is a wealthy institution, with large reserves.

“Instead of pressing on with cuts and job losses Peter Mathieson needs to listen to staff at the university, engage with the union and commit to ruling out the use of compulsory redundancies.

“Anything else is academic vandalism on an unprecedented scale.”

The University has taken other measures to save money, including reducing the levels of heating in its buildings and cutting or combining courses.

In a statement, Sir Peter Mathieson said: “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.”

It has also put two student accommodations on the market, David Horne House and Kitchener House, but has claimed that the profits from these sales would not be used to fill the funding gap, and instead would be reinvested into “enhancing” the student experience.

The University of Edinburgh has been approached for comment.

Featured image via University of Edinburgh