Dundee University Staff Begin Five-Week Strike Over Redundancy Threats

Lecturers at the University of Dundee commenced a five-week strike on Monday, the first day of the new academic term, over concerns about compulsory redundancies. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) will refrain from teaching, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials, until October 23.

The industrial action is the latest development in a dispute that began nearly two years ago, stemming from the university's announcement of a £30 million deficit. Since then, 675 jobs have been lost through voluntary redundancy, and the institution has received financial support totaling £62 million from the Scottish government and the Scottish Funding Council.

In June, the university proposed eliminating 187 posts, a figure later revised to 154 job losses by August. UCU stated that 149 applications for voluntary redundancies were received, which should have eliminated the need for compulsory redundancies. However, the union asserts that the university continues to refuse to remove the threat of compulsory redundancy and has made no effort to find common ground.

"None of our members want to go on strike for five weeks, this is absolutely last resort that we've come to," said Dr. Melissa D'Ascenzio, co-president of the Dundee UCU branch. "The university is still refusing to remove the threat of compulsory redundancy."

The university management indicated that they anticipate the majority of classes will proceed as normal and that efforts will be made to minimize the disruption to students. A spokesperson stated, "We recognise the right of trade union members to take industrial action and will strive to work constructively with the University and College Union during the dispute. At the same time, the university will seek to minimise the effects of strike action on students, particularly at a time when they are starting the new academic year."

Union officials noted that new and returning students will be impacted at the start of term. Iain Ellis, co-president, commented, "New and returning students will be impacted at the start of term, which is hugely regretful, but we're also clear that university management cutting more jobs and more staff leaving will have a major and long-term impact on students' education and the university."

UCU members are also engaged in an 'in-contract' action, refusing to undertake unpaid duties such as attending weekend open days. This action will persist unless the dispute is resolved. The current industrial action does not include a marking or assessment boycott.

Tom Christisen, president of the students' association (DUSA), acknowledged the potential impact on students but recognized the staff's position. "At the same time, we recognise why staff have reached this point. The prospect of compulsory redundancy has created significant uncertainty for colleagues about their jobs and futures at Dundee," he said. "Our responsibility is to stand up for students throughout this period, while continuing to press the university to address the circumstances that have led to industrial action."

In previous strike actions, a "no-detriment" policy was implemented to ensure students were not penalized, and untaught topics were excluded from assessments. UCU officials expect this policy to be applied again.

A spokesperson for the Scottish government stated, "Industrial action is in no-one's best interests – least of all students' – so while the Scottish government cannot intervene directly, we encourage universities and trades unions to engage constructively and seek resolution to these disputes."

Lecturers at the University of Dundee previously undertook a three-week strike in February of last year. The institution has conducted two voluntary severance schemes, with the most recent round of redundancies targeting lecturers and researchers over the summer.