Strike action may hit university
Strike action at the University of Gloucestershire is a step closer after the staff union began balloting members.
Crunch talks between education bosses and University and College Union (UCU) representatives last week were described as "positive" by both sides.
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University of Gloucestershire
However, a meeting with the Vice-Chancellors Advisory Group yesterday (Tues) confirmed compulsory redundancies would still go ahead at the cash-strapped university.
Now UCU members are preparing to ballot on strike action to prevent the loss of lecturers and research staff.
Members are likely to call for the resignation of the university's vice-chancellor Professor Patricia Broadfoot.
A UCU spokesman for the university, which has 270 members, said: "We regret this latest meeting did not endorse a proposal to stop compulsory redundancy.
"This is a serious situation as we will be in an official trade dispute with the employer as of January 1.
"UCU is ready to continue negotiations with the university to try and resolve the situation."
Paul Drake, executive director of external relations at the university said: "It is unfortunate the UCU see the need to ballot for industrial action as the university begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel with a modest positive budget forecast being projected at the year end.
"If UCU members vote for industrial action it will have a damaging affect upon the student experience.
"Management are committed to working with the trade unions to minimise the number of job losses across the university."
4 Comments
by Dr X, Cheltenham
Sunday, January 03 2010, 2:12PM
“www.saveuog.com”
by Andrew Misiura UCU Branch Secretary, Gloucester
Wednesday, December 23 2009, 1:51AM
“UCU was mandated to take this action following an extraordinary general meeting of its members if compulsory redundancies were not lifted. The student experience is part of a much wider debate and it is not appropriate for them to be used to gain the moral high ground. UCU will continue to liaise with the National Union of Students. We would much rather put our efforts into constructive ways of working with management on alternatives to compulsory redundancy, inlcuding efficiency savings, voluntary redundancy, retirement, flexible working and use of some of the cash from the imminent sale of the London Campus.”
by Wife of a Student, cheltenham
Tuesday, December 22 2009, 9:32PM
“To quote Paul Drake: " If UCU members vote for industrial action it will have a damaging affect upon the student experience.". Not picking on Mr. Drake but a simple strike, causing students to miss out on a few classes, is far better than firing the brilliant professors--ie. those who attract the students to the University. The future of the Institution and possible future careers of students who have come specifically to this University for the extraordinary professors will be harmed should the "powers that be" continue making poor decisions. Wise up U of G.”
by John, Glos City
Tuesday, December 22 2009, 8:46PM
“Professor Patricia Broadfoot.That is all I need to read Members are likely to call for the resignation of the university's vice-chancellor. Weeks ago I prophesied this in these columns and no reader would have that as an accurate statement. Now get on with job and let it be done. Any more nonsense then just padlock the gates and throw away the keys.”