Stirling University will be hit with strikes from 1 to 3 December.
The disruption comes after members of the University and College Union (UCU) voted in favour for the action due to a long-running dispute over pay and pensions.
Commenting on the strike action a University of Stirling spokesperson said: “We are very disappointed with this outcome and want to see a sustainable solution to this national dispute.”
The spokesperson continued to say: “We will continue to do all that we can to ensure there is minimal overall disruption to the learning and teaching experience of our students, and to our staff.”.
“Campus facilities and services will remain open during the strike period – including the Student Services Hub, Library and Sports Centre.”.
“Any changes will be communicated directly to students.”.
It is not only Stirling the strikes will hit, 58 universities across the country will also be affected by the disruption.
UCU have also warned “the three day strike will just be the start of sustained disruption for the sector if employers fail to negotiate”.
In a statement Stirling Students’ Union Executive Council said they “support the right of staff to strike and recognise the challenges staff have been facing.”
“We understand staff do not wish to impact students negatively and that this is not a decision UCU members have taken lightly.”
The Union Executive Council continued to say: “As required by Union policy which has been proposed and passed by students, the Students’ Union supports UCU during the industrial action.”
“However, we do anticipate that there will be a direct impact on day-to-day teaching activities at the University, particularly at this time in the semester and during a challenging time for students due to the global pandemic.”
“The Executive Council therefore recognises the consequences strike action will have on students, and as such we urge the University to take corrective action for the benefits of staff and the students.”
“As an Executive Council we would like to emphasise that student welfare is paramount to us during this time and the best interests of our membership will remain our priority.”
“The Students’ Union will continue to work with UCU and the University during the strike action to ensure that there are minimal impacts on students learning, teaching and wellbeing.”
“Please be assured that the University remains open, access to library will remain throughout the action, and that students will be informed of cancelled classes as soon as possible. The Students’ Union also remains open and unaffected during this time.”
In a statement UCU’s Scotland Official, Mary Senior said: “unless employers get back round the table and address concerns over pension cuts, pay and working conditions then staff at Stirling will be forced to join others across Scotland and the UK in taking industrial action”
Senior has criticised university bosses, accusing them of being “intent on unfair and unnecessary pension cuts and exploiting the staff”.
Image credit: Harry Williamson
[…] The picket was part of the UCU’s strike action running from 1 to 3 December after disputes over pay and pensions. More can be read about the strikes here. […]