Latest news with #EISULA
Glasgow Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
University of the West of Scotland staff ballot for strikes
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) branch of the Educational Institute of Scotland University Lecturers' Association (EIS ULA) opened a statutory strike ballot on Monday, June 23, in response to the university's refusal to guarantee no compulsory redundancies under its Organisational Change Project (OCP). The ballot will close at noon on Tuesday, July 22. READ MORE: 22 powerful images showing thousands marching in Glasgow to support refugees Garry Ross, EIS National Officer for Higher Education, said: "It is deeply regrettable that the University of the West of Scotland has chosen to make this large number of job cuts and pushed staff to the point of balloting for strike action. "The proposed redundancies are a short-sighted and damaging strategy that will have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of dedicated staff, many of whom have worked at UWS for years. "Furthermore, it will inevitably lead to a decline in the academic provision, research capacity, and overall student experience at the university. "We urge UWS to step back from this path and engage meaningfully with the EIS ULA to secure a no-compulsory-redundancy guarantee." READ MORE: Council reprimanded by watchdog over delays affecting abuse survivors The ballot follows ongoing disputes with university management over the OCP, which includes plans to cut 75.2 full-time equivalent academic posts. The union has raised concerns about transparency and consultation during the process, lodging a formal dispute in March. EIS ULA argues that compulsory redundancies threaten job security, academic standards, and research at UWS. The union said it has a strong mandate for industrial action following a previous consultative ballot that showed broad support for a strike if redundancy guarantees were not provided. READ MORE: Work begins on 'major' school expansion to increase capacity by 500 pupils Members are determined to protect jobs and maintain the university's role within the Scottish higher education sector. EIS ULA is urging UWS management to re-enter negotiations and work towards an agreement that avoids compulsory job losses and safeguards the institution's future. The union said it remains committed to finding a negotiated solution but is prepared to take strike action if necessary to protect its members and academic standards. UWS has been approached for comment.
The Herald Scotland
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
UWS lecturers to be balloted on strike action over job cuts
The university, which has campuses in Paisley, Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and London, had a deficit of £14.4m in 2023/24 and is expected to post an £8.4m deficit for the current financial year. The EIS union is looking to secure a guarantee that there will be no compulsory redundancies as part of the process, with a consultative ballot showing support for strike action if that guarantee is not made. Read More: The union said it has held "unproductive discussions with university management" over the changes and the announcement of job cuts. It has now announced that its members will be balloted on a strike, opening on Monday, June 23, and to close at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, July 22. Garry Ross, EIS National Officer for Higher Education, condemned the university's approach, stating, "It is deeply regrettable that the University of the West of Scotland has chosen to make this large number of job cuts and pushed staff to the point of balloting for strike action. The proposed redundancies are a short-sighted and a damaging strategy that will have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of dedicated staff, many of whom have worked at UWS for years. "Furthermore, it will inevitably lead to a decline in the academic provision, research capacity, and overall student experience at the university. We urge UWS to step back from this path and engage meaningfully with the EIS ULA (University Lecturers Alliance) to secure a no compulsory redundancy guarantee. "The EIS ULA branch at UWS has a strong mandate from its members to move to this statutory ballot, with a previous consultative ballot showing overwhelming support for strike action if a no compulsory redundancy guarantee was not secured. "Members are resolute in their commitment to protect jobs and ensure the continued excellence of UWS as a vital institution within the Scottish higher education landscape. "The EIS ULA calls upon UWS management to reconsider its position on any planned redundancies and enter into negotiations aimed at achieving a fair and equitable resolution to their dispute that safeguards jobs and protects the future of the university. "The union remains committed to finding a negotiated settlement but is determined to win the ballot and will not hesitate to take industrial action if necessary to defend its members and the integrity of academic provision at the University of the West of Scotland." A UWS spokesperson said: "Our organisational change project is designed to put our university finances on a more sustainable footing, to enable an even better student experience and enhanced graduate outcomes. "In common with the rest of the higher education sector across the UK, the university is operating in a very challenging financial environment exacerbated by external factors that have driven a significant change in the size and shape of our student population, and the associated funding."
