UNISON members at Dundee University have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action in response to the threat of more than 600 job losses, says UNISON.
The union announced the result today (Tuesday) with more than 70% of its members voting in favour of going on strike.
UNISON says the vote demonstrates the strength of feeling among staff at the university. Union officials have been meeting with ministers to discuss serious concerns over Dundee University’s £35m deficit.
The union has also organised a virtual town hall meeting on Thursday, to bring staff, unions and members of the public together to hold politicians accountable for what’s happening at the university.
UNISON Scotland regional organiser Mo Dickson said: “Strike action is always a last resort. But there are real concerns about how the university is being run. The union has been speaking to ministers to see what options there might be to save jobs and protect support for students.
“This is an extremely stressful time for these staff facing redundancy, while trying to deal with a growing mountain of work because the university has so many unfilled vacancies.
“Staff have lost confidence completely in Dundee University’s management team. New leaders are needed that staff can trust, who can work with unions on a proper recovery plan for the university.”
UNISON area organiser Stephen McLellan said: “The majority of cuts are targeted at support staff – including cleaners, security personnel, facilities workers, and IT staff. But they all play a crucial role in maintaining the educational experience for students.
“Morale is at an all-time low. This ballot result demonstrates the strength of feeling among staff to take action over proposed job cuts and to stand up for students, themselves and their colleagues, and the wider community of Dundee.”
Notes to editors:
-The ballot of UNISON members opened on 25 February and closed earlier today (Tuesday). A total of 71.5% voted in favour of taking strike action, on a turnout of 63.3%.
-UNISON will be holding a virtual town hall meeting on this Thursday (20 March) at 6pm.Confirmed attendees include: Maggie Chapman MSP (Green), Joe Fitzpatrick MSP (SNP), Cllr Mark Flynn, Leader of Dundee City Council (SNP), Chris Law MP (SNP), Michael Marra MSP (Labour) and Cllr Siobhan Tolland (SNP).
-UNISON is Scotland’s largest union, with more than 150,000 members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, care, police services, water, and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.