Staff at the University of Nottingham will begin strike action this week before launching a continuous walkout lasting more than two months in a dispute over planned job losses and course cuts.
Staff at the University of Nottingham will strike on Wednesday 30 September and Thursday 1 October, followed by continuous strike action from 5 October until 11 December, in a row over jobs and course cuts, the University and College Union has confirmed today (Monday 28 September).
The first two strike days this week will coincide with the university’s council meeting, at which the final business case for cuts will be considered. The action will also include action short of a strike, such as only working to contract and not covering for absent colleagues.
The union says that there is no financial justification for the planned compulsory redundancies and closure of courses. Undergraduate recruitment has been strong, applications for voluntary redundancy have increased substantially, staff have submitted extensive alternative proposals capable of delivering further savings, and the university itself says it now has a surplus.
The union is calling on the university to rule out compulsory redundancies and the closure of full departments, protect teaching and research, and engage seriously with the alternative proposals put forward by staff.
UCU says the dispute can still be resolved and that it is open to meaningful talks with management to resolve the issue ahead of the new academic year.
Nottingham UCU branch president Nick Clare said: “We don’t want to strike, but staff will not stand by while colleagues lose their jobs and whole areas of teaching and research are dismantled unnecessarily. Students will suffer too and have their learning damaged through larger classes, less choice and overworked academics. Never has the saying ‘Staff’s working conditions are students’ learning conditions’ been more correct than now.”
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Once again, staff have shown their determination to stop management forcing through compulsory redundancies. Our door is open for talks, and we’re calling on senior leaders to engage and find an acceptable end to this dispute.”