Stirling University Lecturers Vote for Industrial Action Over Job Cuts
Lecturers at the University of Stirling have backed industrial action in a significant dispute over planned financial cuts and the threat of compulsory redundancies. This development makes Stirling the third university in Scotland this week to face the prospect of strikes, following similar votes at Heriot-Watt and Aberdeen universities.
Overwhelming Support for Strike Action
University and College Union (UCU) members at Stirling voted decisively in favour of industrial action, with 80% supporting strike action on a turnout of 66%. Additionally, 88% of voting members indicated they would participate in action short of a strike, which can include measures such as not covering for absent colleagues, working strictly to contract, or implementing an assessment boycott.
The dispute centres on the university's financial strategy, with the UCU highlighting that management has refused to rule out compulsory redundancies despite 175 staff already leaving through a voluntary severance scheme. The union has raised particular concerns about job security while university principal Professor Sir Gerry McCormac receives a salary package worth £428,000 annually, making him Scotland's highest-paid education leader.
Growing University Disputes Across Scotland
The Stirling announcement follows similar developments at two other Scottish institutions. At Aberdeen University, UCU members have voted for walkouts in a dispute about planned budget cuts and management's refusal to exclude compulsory redundancies, despite 40 staff having already departed through voluntary schemes.
Meanwhile, Heriot-Watt University faces industrial action over a proposed "right-sizing exercise" that the union says could eliminate at least 41 positions at Scottish campuses and a further 10 in Malaysia. UCU members at all three universities are now preparing to determine the specific forms of action they will undertake.
Union Leaders Call for Negotiations
A spokesperson for the Stirling UCU branch urged university leadership to reconsider their approach: "Before this dispute escalates further we urge Professor McCormac and university senior management to pull back from the brink; revisit their financial strategy and its associated targets, and prioritise the protection of existing jobs at Stirling."
Kate Sang, Heriot-Watt UCU president, warned that "cuts to research provision will harm not only the university's reputation, but the development of cutting-edge knowledge to address society's big challenges." She emphasised that members would strongly oppose any use of compulsory redundancies.
Dan Cutts, Aberdeen UCU branch co-chairman, called for constructive dialogue: "There's still time for our new principal to show that he wants to work with staff and the unions, and rule out the use of compulsory redundancies to resolve this dispute."
University Responses to Industrial Action Threats
A University of Aberdeen spokesperson acknowledged the financial pressures facing higher education institutions: "The continued challenges and financial pressures testing the UK higher education sector mean change is necessary. Our adapting for continued success transformation programme will help tackle our deficit and also deliver a more resilient, relevant and sustainable university."
The spokesperson expressed disappointment at the prospect of industrial action, noting that students would be most affected by any disruptions.
A Heriot-Watt University spokesperson explained their position: "Heriot-Watt University, like institutions across Scotland and the wider UK, is facing sustained financial pressures driven by rising costs and constrained funding. Following detailed analysis, we have taken necessary steps to align our academic portfolio and resources to secure the university's long-term financial sustainability, and protect the quality of education and student experience."
The University of Stirling has been approached for comment regarding the industrial action vote and the ongoing dispute over job cuts and potential compulsory redundancies.
