UCU Members at Dundee University Re-Balloted for Industrial Action
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at Dundee University are currently undergoing a re-ballot for industrial action. This development is part of an ongoing dispute concerning budget cuts and the potential for compulsory redundancies within the institution.
The union, representing both academic and support staff, has already conducted 28 days of strike action in Dundee over the past year. The dispute originated in November 2024, following the university's announcement of a possible £30 million deficit and the declaration that job cuts were "inevitable."
According to the UCU, more than 600 staff members have departed from the university since the announcement. The recently closed voluntary redundancy scheme is expected to increase this number to over 750. Despite these departures, the union reports that senior management at the university have not ruled out the use of compulsory redundancies in the future.
The union has described the volume of staff leaving as "unprecedented," resulting in an "unmanageable" workload and increased pressure on the remaining employees.
The new ballot for industrial action will remain open until 9 June. Dundee University has confirmed receiving notification from the UCU regarding their intention to hold this ballot.
Financial Support and Redundancy Expectations
Last year, the Scottish government provided £40 million in emergency funding to help stabilise Dundee University. At that time, ministers anticipated that this funding would limit job losses to approximately 300 positions.
However, interim principal Professor Nigel Seaton informed the Scottish Parliament's education committee in November that the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) had accepted that further redundancies would still be necessary.
Union Response and Calls for Management Commitment
Ian Ellis, co-president of the Dundee UCU branch, commented on the situation:
"Our members have consistently voted for and taken action to defend jobs and to try to force senior management to rule out sacking anyone from their job through compulsory redundancies."
"Despite the longevity of this dispute and the many failings of senior management, as evidenced in the Gillies report and elsewhere, we remain committed to finding a solution in the best interests of the university and our students."
"The first step to resolving this dispute is for management to finally commit to there being no compulsory redundancies."
