University of Nottingham staff consider escalating strike action
Representatives met with university officials this week
The University and College Union (UCU) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the University of Nottingham's management, claiming it may need to escalate strike action due to unresolved disputes over job cuts and course closures.
UCU representatives met with university officials this week but reported that discussions ended without a satisfactory resolution.
The union claimed to have submitted alternative savings suggestions and a detailed financial counterproposal, hoping to end the current marking and assessment boycott ahead of graduations.
According to UCU, the university has already sent out over 2,500 ‘at risk of redundancy’ letters, with plans to cut 700 more jobs, primarily academic roles, having been approved in May.
Lopa Leach, UCU's Nottingham branch president, criticised the university's response, saying, "Management has thrown students and their interests under the bus. Here was the possibility to end the dispute in time for graduation, but they are unwilling to entertain constructive solutions.”
Leach mentioned potential strike action escalation measures, which might include disrupting graduation celebrations, targeting open days, and taking action at the beginning of the next academic year.
Jo Grady, UCU’s general secretary, voiced disappointment in Nottingham’s approach, stating, "We are beyond disappointed at Nottingham’s lack of willingness to seek a resolution to the current dispute."
The union calls on the university to reassess its position to avoid further disruptions and benefit both staff and students. Potential intensified strike actions could significantly affect university operations if the current impasse continues.
A University of Nottingham spokesperson said: "We are currently in a period of official consultation in relation to our proposals and are encouraging the unions and our university community to submit counterproposals as part of this process.
"All counterproposals will be reviewed and considered to help inform the university's final business case, which will go to the University Council for a decision in the autumn.
"We received part one of UCU's counter proposal on Wednesday 17 June and we are reviewing this carefully and look forward to consulting with Trade Unions on the contents in our upcoming consultation meetings, as well as receiving the second part of their counter proposal.
"We met with UCU Trade Union colleagues yesterday for a dispute resolution meeting and agreed to take suggestions away for consideration, before discussing further next week.
"It is disappointing that they have chosen to make this statement while we are continuing dispute resolution meetings. We continue to be open to resolving the dispute and working with our Trade Union colleagues."