Staff news

Industrial action

Members of both University and College Union (UCU) and the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) have voted in favour of strike action on 30 November.

This will coincide with the Trade Union Congress (TUC)’s national day of action, where a number of unions are calling for action in relation to either public sector pay or pensions.

Pay deductions

Staff represented by UCU and EIS who are considering taking strike action should note that the University regards the failure of staff to undertake the duties for which they are employed as unacceptable.

Particularly where this impacts adversely on colleagues and, most seriously, on our students.

Staff members who strike will not be paid for any day they are on strike.

A day’s pay, 1/365th of annual salary, will be deducted from either December or January salary payments.

This action does not apply to any other trade unions or staff groups.

For example Unison and Unite are not calling for strike action on 30 November.

School closures

Schoolteachers are also involved in this TUC day of action, resulting in possible school closures.

Where this may impact on an employee’s ability to attend work, they should explore the following options with their line manager:

  • using a day’s annual leave, subject to local business need
  • making up working hours later in an agreed pattern and by an agreed date, where the nature of the work allows this
  • using flexitime (where a local scheme exists)
  • working from home, if feasible

A combination of the above may also be used where possible.

If you have any further questions, contact your manager or local HR team.