Robert Gordon University lecturers back strike action, says EIS union

Lecturers at Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen have backed industrial action in a dispute over cuts and redundancies, the EIS union has said.

RGU said in November that up to 135 more redundancies could be made in a bid to save millions of pounds.

A total of 130 staff left through a voluntary severance scheme earlier last year.

The EIS said the ballot result gave a “clear mandate” to take strike action, should the dispute not be resolved. RGU said it was “disappointed” by the decision but would continue to engage with the union during an “extremely challenging time for the sector”.

RGU had described November’s announcement as being aimed at ensuring the “long-term financial sustainability” of the institution.

The EIS said 83% of those who voted backed strike action.

The union’s general secretary Andrea Bradley said: “This is a clear ballot result, where our members at RGU have indicated their willingness to take strike action, if necessary, to halt the university’s programme of cuts.

“The scale of the cuts proposed at RGU is alarming, with significant job losses and a serious impact on learning and teaching across the university.”

Professor Steve Olivier, principal and vice- chancellor of Robert Gordon University, said: “The university has, at every opportunity, done all that it can to mitigate against the potential of compulsory redundancies.

“This includes the option of staff leaving voluntarily on enhanced terms and, through our redeployment process, having the opportunity of applying for an alternative role within the university.

“We are therefore disappointed that EIS members have decided to vote for strike action. We will continue to engage constructively with their representatives during what is an extremely challenging time for the sector.”