Heriot-Watt University staff set for strike action

Staff at Heriot-Watt University have voted in favour of strike after proposed cuts that their union claims put 130 jobs at risk.

Leaders at the institution say that the Covid-19 pandemic is to blame for the move, due to a “significant impact” on its finances, and it refused to rule out job losses and compulsory redundancies.

University and College Union (UCU) members at sites in Edinburgh, Orkney and Galashiels were balloted.

There was a 66% turnout, and 77% of those who took part were in favour of striking.

UCU Scotland official Mary Senior commented: “By voting in these numbers UCU members at Heriot-Watt university have made it crystal clear today that they have no confidence in the university’s plans to cut jobs. The ballot result is a clear mandate for industrial action and to oppose job cuts.”

“The employer has made good progress on seeking volunteers and should now take compulsory redundancies off the table, to give staff some job security and stability, and students the reassurances they need on the learning environment.  It’s not too late for the university to avoid strike action but they need to act now.”

By voting in these numbers UCU members at Heriot-Watt university have made it crystal clear today that they have no confidence in the university’s plans to cut jobs

– Mary Senior

The UCU has criticised the “rushed timetable” of cuts, which it said meant alternative options to make savings had not been sufficient explored.

It also warned that losing so many staff would inevitably impact the student experience, coming after 70 staff lost their jobs to redundancies in 2017.

A spokesperson for the university said: “The UCU has notified us of its intention to take industrial action if we are unable to reach agreement in relation to our current dispute.

“The university leadership has always stressed its aim of avoiding compulsory redundancies wherever possible. We remain fully committed to achieving savings through voluntary redundancies and non-pay routes.

“We continue to have positive and constructive dialogue with union representatives and hope to find a way to resolve this matter ahead of any industrial action taking place.”