University of Stirling faces more strike action in jobs row
The University of Stirling faces more strike action after its decision-making body, the Court, agreed a move to lay off 17 members of staff in its institute of aquaculture.
The University and College Union (UCU) said the Court members did not adequately consider alternative options put forward by the union and that the university has again failed to complete constructive consultation with the union before making the decision to axe staff.
The union believes the institute of aquaculture is being targeted because it does not provide a surplus on the university's internal budgetary process. However, UCU argues that the budgetary system is not a fair way to evaluate the institute because it is mainly research-based. Further, the university proposals will leave the institute with a larger deficit than was likely to be the case had union proposals been implemented.
On Thursday, March 23, 2011 the university faces a second day of strike action in as many weeks as UCU members across the UK walk out in a row over pensions and pay. The University of Stirling may now face protracted disruption as the union is balloting members there for more strike action over the job losses.
