Professional services staff – including IT, admin and security workers – at Glasgow Caledonian University are being balloted for strike action in a dispute over redundancies, says UNISON today (Friday).
The university announced restructuring plans in March, and refused to rule out compulsory redundancies.
UNISON believes up to 100 jobs are at risk and staff have overwhelmingly backed moving to a formal strike ballot.
Unions believe any redundancies are unnecessary. The university is on target to make a surplus and has extensive reserves, says UNISON.
UNISON Caledonian University branch secretary Davena Rankin said: “These plans risk service cuts, reduced support for students and uncertainty for staff.
“The university must work with unions on viable alternatives, rather than threaten staff with job cuts.
“Staff need a two‑year guarantee there’ll be no compulsory redundancies.
“Talks should also be extended so a credible way forward can be developed.
“It’s time the university lived up to its motto of working for the common good.”
UNISON Scotland regional manager Simon Macfarlane said: “Scotland’s universities are in chaos. The Scottish government must help to buy time so everyone can build a sustainable future for students and staff.
“The university’s failure to rule out compulsory redundancies is unjustifiable. A better way forward must be found without cutting jobs and services.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON’s consultation on whether to move to a formal strike ballot ended this week with 87% backing the move. The ballot on potential strike action begins on 5 June and continues until 10 July.
– 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.