The university made an offer which was put to branch members at a meeting on Friday. Some progress has been made on research time but the university has not committed to ruling out compulsory redundancies as a result of ‘rightsizing’ or changes to Scholar.
Staff in Lincs and Scholar are still at threat of compulsory redundancy and members voted overwhelmingly to continue strike action starting Tuesday 17 March 2026 in order to protect these jobs.
Our members in Scholar and Lincs have asked us to pass on their thanks to the broader membership for their unwavering solidarity at a time of great stress and uncertainty. The committee also thanks the membership for their support.
Strike days
This is lawfully called industrial action; members are legally protected against any detriment for participation. Please let the branch know immediately if you feel at risk of detriment. The strike days are as follows:
- 17, 18, 19 March
- 25, 26, 27 March
- 30, 31 March
- 1 April
Members will be on strike at all of our UK campuses but the picket will begin at 08:00 each morning outside the main entrance (across from the roundabout) of the Edinburgh campus and run until 11:00. There will be a group photo at 10:00. Please bring you own creative placards and banners to go alongside those of the UCU and lets make this the biggest picket we have seen.
You may wish to bring a seat, snacks and something to drink with you, and members will be able to use the facilities in the students’ union from 09:00. If you are joining the picket then visiting the students’ union or parking on campus will not constitute crossing the picket line.
Dogs, children, and dinosaurs all very welcome.
Declaring strike action
Members may wish to inform students of potential disruption to lectures and tutorials but you have no obligation to tell your line manager or the university that you plan to strike before the action takes place.
When asked after any strike days if you took part in industrial action you must declare truthfully whether you did. It is important too for demonstrating the strength of the action to management.
More information will follow on how to declare participation in strike action, what deductions will be made from pay and how to make a claim on the local Hardship Fund if required.
