University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) strike dates finalised with UCU Scotland members set for action on four days in October and November
A union has finalised dates for industrial action set to hit the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
UCU Scotland members will strike on four separate days, beginning this month on Thursday, October 30.
The move comes in response to UHI management’s decision to use compulsory redundancies to save £2 million in the face of huge budgetary pressures.
Staff will also strike on Wednesday, November 5, Monday, November 17 and Tuesday, November 18.
UCU members will also take part in action short of strikes, with staff working to contract, not covering for colleagues or undertaking voluntary activities at the university.
UHI says it has found no viable alternative to the job cuts.
The strike follows a UCU ballot where 71 per cent of those who voted backed strike action on a turnout of 82 per cent.
UHI management is pressing ahead with plans to cut 16 jobs at the university’s executive office in Inverness, with the union describing the use of compulsory redundancies as “unacceptable”.
The union also claims remaining staff will be left with unmanageable workloads and said that the latest cuts followed multiple job losses in recent years.
It says the “hollowing out” of the university’s executive office isn’t sustainable long-term or compatible with a functioning university.
UCU UHI branch vice-president Sorcha Kirker said: “Management at UHI have been warned time after time that staff are angry at these cuts, and in particular with the use of compulsory redundancies.
“After an overwhelming ballot result, and with strike action now planned for October 30, it’s still not too late for management to resolve this dispute, cease the unfair use of compulsory redundancies and to sit down and find a solution that saves jobs and protects the university’s future.
“If they don’t then UCU members are determined to see through the strike action they voted for and the only people to blame will be senior management.”
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, said: “It’s appalling that UHI management continues to press ahead with cuts and job losses including using compulsory redundancies.
“After recent cuts, staff workloads are already sky-high and the loss of more jobs will make a difficult situation even worse.
“Students know who’s to blame for the disruption strikes will cause and I’d urge the principal, even at the last minute, to take the steps necessary to end the dispute.”
A spokeswoman for UHI said: “We have been informed by University and College Union (UCU) that members intend to take industrial action in relation to proposed redundancies within our Executive Office.
“We understand this is a difficult time for colleagues and have held constructive discussions with UCU to explore all possible alternatives.
“Unfortunately, no viable options have been identified that would achieve the level of financial sustainability required.
“Our priority remains supporting staff, maintaining open dialogue, and ensuring students are not affected by any action.”