Protests gather pace following university job cuts

Apr 13 2011 by Johnathon Menzies, Stirling Observer Wednesday

DISGRUNTLED staff at the University of Stirling have said they are prepared to down tools in protest at cuts at its Institute of Aquaculture.

A local University and College Union (UCU) representative yesterday revealed about 200 of the group’s 350-or-so members completed a recent ballot, with 64 per cent backing strike action and 83 per cent sanctioning action short of a strike.

Several Stirling-based members met on Monday and signalled their intention to hold a day-long walk out on April 26.

They also gave the green light to plans to petition the Scottish Parliament on the issue of compulsory redundancies, and to negotiate with management in a bid to rule out any immediate job losses in the future, among other measures.

The local union spokesperson said: “The UCU Stirling branch congratulates members on the strong support for the ballot, which sends a clear message to management that members support the stance against compulsory redundancies.”

The decision to axe 17 positions at the research facility, from a total complement of 69, was taken by the University Court on March 21.

Protests, by students, staff and union officials, took place on the morning of the meeting in response to the cost-cutting measures.

Those behind the move have said it followed a five-month consultation and is designed to help trim a budget deficit which, at one point, stood at as much as £2 million.

UCU Scottish official, Mary Senior, said: “The ballot result should act as wake-up call to the university. Their argument for making these cuts simply doesn’t add up and will deprive the Scottish fish farming industry of a vitally important institute.

“Had the university taken the time to consider our proposals previously we could have avoided this action.

“It’s essential now that management listen to our members and consult with us over their plans in future.”

A university spokesperson said: “The University of Stirling is disappointed that the UCU propose to take strike action in response to the cost-saving measures at the Institute of Aquaculture.

“To date, however, we have not been formally notified by the UCU of the date and nature of the proposed industrial action.”

SNP Holyrood candidates Bruce Crawford and Keith Brown, campaigning for election to the Stirling and Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituencies respectively, met with management at the Bridge of Allan campus last Wednesday.

Mr Crawford said “The Institute of Aquaculture is widely recognised as having a reputation for excellence, both in the UK and internationally.

“It’s essential that every possible measure is taken to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for the institute.

“The only way for industrial disputes of this nature to be resolved is for all parties involved to be prepared to sit around the table and consider all sides of the argument.”

Mr Brown called for “all options to be considered” in a bid to preserve the future of the flagship facility.