Four unions strike at Glasgow Caledonian over job cuts

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 15:59 · Archive

Four trade unions at Glasgow Caledonian University are striking together for the first time on 15 October in opposition to planned job cuts. More than 50 Unite members have joined the picket lines, uniting with the UCU, EIS and Unison, which had already taken industrial action. The collective action marks the first time all four campus unions have struck simultaneously at the institution.

The university has proposed cutting around 50 posts as part of organisational changes designed to address a £33 million drop in income over the past two years. Management has attributed the financial challenges primarily to a decline in international student numbers. The university says it faces a predicted deficit of £10 million and needs to make 'difficult decisions'.

However, the unions have pointed to Glasgow Caledonian's substantial financial reserves as evidence that the cuts are avoidable. The university's latest accounts show an underlying operating surplus of £12.6 million and cash reserves of £89 million, according to the unions.

The unions have demanded that management rule out compulsory redundancies, a guarantee the university has refused to provide. Alison MacLean, Unite regional coordinating officer, said the joint action would 'force the university to close its doors and lecture rooms'. She added: 'This is historic it is the first time all campus unions have collectively taken industrial action at Glasgow Caledonian, it demonstrates the strength of feeling among the workers.'

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, described the university's position as 'unnecessary and a vindictive choice by its management' and said members had 'been left with no option but to fight back against these unnecessary cuts'.

How it is being reported

• Fourth union joins strike at Glasgow Caledonian universityStaff with the Unite union are to join colleagues from the UCU, the EIS and Unison in walking out on Thursday.BBC Glasgow And West · 14 Oct, 16:24
• Glasgow Caledonian University faces closure as all four unions go on strikeIt comes amid planned job cuts at the university.Glasgow Live · 14 Oct, 15:45
• Established university in Glasgow set to 'close' as four unions join forces to strikeGlasgow Caledonian University faces strike action on October 15 as four campus unions oppose 50 proposed job cuts and warn lecture rooms could close.Glasgow Times · 14 Oct, 15:34
• Glasgow Caledonian University 'to close' as fourth union joins strike actionA fourth trade union has joined strike action at Glasgow Caledonian University, saying the collective action will force the institution to close.The Herald · 14 Oct, 13:55

In this story: Glasgow Caledonian University · Unite · UCU · EIS · Unison · Alison MacLean · Sharon Graham · Glasgow

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