Lecturers at the University of Dundee have begun an unprecedented five-week strike from 21 September, refusing to deliver lectures, seminars or tutorials until after 23 October. The action, led by the University and College Union (UCU), protests the continuing threat of compulsory redundancies amid a prolonged financial dispute.
UCU staff at Dundee University went on strike for three weeks last year [BBC]
Background
The dispute dates back nearly two years to when the university disclosed a projected £30m shortfall. Since then, the institution has run voluntary redundancy schemes that have resulted in 675 roles being cut, and it has received emergency support including £40m from the Scottish Government and £22m from the Scottish Funding Council.
Dundee UCU will stage five weeks of strike action from 21 September [BBC]
In June the university proposed closing 187 posts; that figure was reduced to 154 by August. Following the latest proposals, the union reports 149 applications for voluntary redundancy — a number UCU says should make compulsory cuts unnecessary. University management has not formally ruled out compulsory redundancies, prompting the ballot for 'last resort' industrial action.
More than 100 people lobbied the university's governing body, which was meeting at the Bonar Hall [BBC]
Union Position and Campus Reaction
'None of our members want to go on strike for five weeks; this is absolutely a last resort,' said Dr Melissa D'Ascenzio, co-president of Dundee UCU. 'The university is still refusing to remove the threat of compulsory redundancy.'
UCU members are also working strictly to contract and refusing unpaid extra duties — for example, many are not attending weekend open days. The action does not currently include a marking or assessment boycott. In previous disputes the university applied a 'no-detriment' policy to prevent students being penalised and to remove untaught topics from assessments; UCU officials expect a similar approach this term.
Impact On Students And University Response
The university said it recognises the right to industrial action and will 'strive to work constructively with the University and College Union during the dispute'. Officials added they expect the majority of classes and student contact to proceed as normal and that any disruption will vary across schools depending on UCU membership levels.
Student leaders acknowledged the potential disruption but said they understand why staff have taken action. Tom Christisen, president of the students' association (DUSA), said the association will both support students and press the university to address the issues prompting industrial action. More than 100 people demonstrated outside a meeting of the university's governing body during the dispute.
What To Watch
- Whether the university rules out compulsory redundancies — the central demand of the UCU.
- How the university manages teaching continuity and assessment adjustments during the five-week action.
- Any escalation in tactics, such as marking boycotts or further industrial measures, if negotiations stall.
All figures and quotes are based on reports from the University of Dundee, the UCU, and BBC coverage of the dispute.
