Three days of strike action culminated in a protest outside of Holyrood this afternoon as University and College Union (UCU) members call on the support of MSPs to rule out compulsory redundancies.
Staff walked out from Monday to Wednesday this week, fronting numerous picket lines across school grounds. It follows a one-day walkout in September and ongoing action short of a strike since June.
86% of a 60% UCU member turnout voted in favour of strike action in a recent re-ballot, with the union warning that failure to reach a resolution may result in a marking and assessment boycott.
Unite union spokesman John Ireland said: “You cannot cut your way to excellence and you cannot build prestige on insecurity,” adding, “an injury to one is an injury to all.”
The dispute began in February when Principal and Vice-Chancellor Sir Peter Mathieson announced the proposed £140m cuts, citing severe financial difficulties.
Mathieson stressed that he could not rule out compulsory redundancies and that “decisive action” must be taken to prevent further challenges.
Union representatives argue that job cuts reflect the university’s priorities, referencing financial reports that indicate staff costs are actually declining and the institutions net assets are up by £181 since 2022.
Writing for the UCU, Ben Law said: “The disease is a senior leadership team that prioritises profit over people.”
There is an expected £92 million of savings to be made on staff, with the UCU estimating that between 1400 and 1800 positions could be axed.
Workforce cuts are already in motion, with the closure of the Institute for Academic Development leaving several staff members out of a job.
The university will also implement “hidden redundancies”, such as refusal to renew contracts and part-time staff seeing their hours slashed.
Students were urged not to cross picket lines but encouraged to stand with staff and join in the rally.
Fourth-year student Iris said: “It is frustrating that two of my four contact hours have been lost and I’m assuming my grades will be delayed, but I respect my tutor and support the strikes.
“I find it insane that they intend on cutting 1 in 8 jobs but willingly give money to companies profiting from war.”
Edinburgh University has invested £57 million in BlackRock, a fund that invests in the manufacturing of arms and military weaponry – including those involved in the war in Gaza.
Principal Mathieson said that the university respects staffs’ right to strike and that staff who are not participating in industrial action are making efforts to minimise disruption.
He added: “We have been transparent about the savings needed. These challenges are not unique to Edinburgh as institutions across the country are facing similar pressures.”
