Security staff, cleaners, couriers, accommodation and registry workers at Glasgow Caledonian University are to strike across 15 days from tomorrow in a dispute over compulsory redundancies, says UNISON today (Wednesday).
The union says employees will walk out en masse tomorrow and on Thursday 15 October, while individual staff groups will take selective strike action every day during the next two weeks.
UNISON says up to 100 jobs remain at risk of compulsory redundancy.
The union was in negotiations through arbitration organisation Acas earlier this month. But the talks failed after the university remained intent on pursuing compulsory redundancies.
UNISON Glasgow Caledonian University branch secretary Davena Rankin said: “It’s difficult to justify up to 100 compulsory redundancies when the university’s financial position has improved and cash reserves have increased.
“Compulsory redundancies are not the answer. Staff want to support students and help the university succeed, but they need confidence that their jobs are secure.
“Announcing further strikes has not been taken lightly but staff cannot stand by while colleagues are forced to pay the price for decisions they did not make.
“We are ready to work with university leaders to find a better way forward. There is still time, but the university must abandon compulsory redundancies and work with staff on a sustainable solution protecting jobs and students.”
UNISON Scotland regional organiser Janet Stewart said: “Staff have been patient and have made clear they want a resolution to this dispute.
“These are experienced staff doing essential work. Their roles in supporting students and keeping the university operating mustn’t be taken for granted.
“The prospect of losing up to 100 jobs is deeply concerning, not only for those facing redundancy but for the students who depend on these services.
“The university has a choice. It can continue down the road of compulsory redundancies, or work with staff to find a fairer solution. UNISON remains ready to negotiate and resolve this dispute.”
Notes to editors:
– Photo opportunity: Pickets will be in place at the main entrance to Glasgow Caledonian University from 8am tomorrow (Thursday 1 October).
– Previous strike action took place on 17 September.
– 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.