Support staff at Glasgow Caledonian University are to strike tomorrow (Thursday) after a failure of talks aimed at resolving the dispute, says UNISON.
The union, which represents university support staff, agreed to suspend planned industrial action earlier this month to allow negotiations to continue through arbitration organisation Acas to find a resolution.
UNISON says the talks failed to produce an agreement protecting staff from compulsory redundancies. As a result, support staff, including workers in IT, security, catering, and student welfare, will take a day’s strike action tomorrow.
UNISON Glasgow Caledonian University branch secretary Davena Rankin said: “These talks were a missed opportunity to resolve this dispute and avoid industrial action.
“A fair proposal put forward by the union to remove the immediate threat of job losses was rejected and the university remains intent on pursuing compulsory redundancies.
“With 100 jobs at risk, the absence of the principal when these critical talks were taking place will be deeply disappointing to these hard-working staff.
“Strike action is always a last resort. We know how difficult this will be for students and colleagues, but we also know the devastating impact these redundancies could have on students and services if they go ahead.
“The university must recognise the strength of feeling in its workforce, reconsider compulsory redundancies and work with staff to find a fairer way forward. The union is committed to finding a resolution to this dispute.”
UNISON Scotland regional manager Simon Macfarlane said: “These experienced staff play a crucial role in keeping the university running and supporting students.
“Losing up to 100 jobs would put even more pressure on those who remain and damage the services students depend on.
“Workers want to get back to their jobs, rather than standing on a picket line. But the university must value their contribution, protect the vital services they provide and give them some security over their livelihoods.
“The university must take compulsory redundancies off the table.”
Notes to editors:
– Photo opportunity: Pickets will be in place at the main entrance to Glasgow Caledonian University from 8am tomorrow (Thursday 17 September).
– Strikes were due to begin on September 4 and were paused to enter into talks with Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service).
– UNISON is Scotland’s largest union, with more than 150,000 members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, social care, police services, water, and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.