Heriot-Watt UCU members have voted in favour of industrial action in the dispute over job cuts, working conditions, and the management’s refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies.
The ballot turnout was 70% of eligible members. 74% of those voting backed strike action. 87% backed action short of strike such as working to contract, not covering for absent colleagues, and not undertaking voluntary activities.
Why are we in dispute?
The senior leadership at Heriot-Watt are using the portfolio review to push through ‘Rightsizing’ changes which will threaten jobs in Scotland and Malaysia and will affect working conditions. Up to 41 FTE equivalent jobs are at risk in Scotland, with the final headcount likely to be higher. Significant reductions to research time are also likely under the proposals.
Among the hardest hit areas under the proposals will be the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies and we have launched an online Save LINCS petition. Please read, sign, and circulate if you have not already.
Scholar
Along with cutting programmes, courses, and jobs, Heriot-Watt have also notified that after 25 years of delivering essential online learning for schools in Scotland they may have to end the Scholar service to make cost savings. UCU, Unite, and Unison stand together in their condemnation of this rash act of brinkmanship by the senior leadership team.
Scholar has supported a generation of learners since its was set up in 1999. With over 130,000 learners and 14,000 teachers accessing last year it is still used every day in classrooms and homes all across Scotland. Moreover, it is particularly important for those who rely on flexible access to education such as interrupted learners, young carers, learners experiencing anxiety or illness, and those with additional support needs.
Please support our campaign and show your support for Scholar by writing a note of endorsement.
Join UCU today
Our membership is growing. Please do encourage your colleagues to join the union at https://www.ucu.org.uk/join.
