Full Breakdown
Glasgow Caledonian University staff strike over job cuts and threat of compulsory redundancies
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Planned strike on October 15
More than 50 members of Unite, together with the University and College Union (UCU), the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and Unison, will walk out on October 15. The coordinated action is the first time all four campus unions have simultaneously taken industrial action at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). Staff are striking over proposed job cuts and the university’s refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies.
Background & Context
GCU says a projected £10 million deficit for the next financial year forces “difficult decisions” in a challenging higher-education funding climate. Unite attributes the strain to a £33 million drop in income over the past two years, linking it to a decline in international student enrolments. Similar action is underway at other Scottish institutions, with staff at the University of Edinburgh and Dundee University already on multi-week strikes over comparable cuts.
Data & Statistics
- Posts at risk: GCU has identified 40 posts for removal; the university also refers to a plan to cut 100 jobs.
- Cash reserves: Union statements cite roughly £95 million, while the university’s accounts show cash of £88.9 million at the end of July 2025 and an operating surplus of £12.6 million for 2024-25.
Official Statements & Responses
- A university spokesperson said the campus will remain open, though the library will close at 6 p.m. on the day of the strike.
- The university said it has offered to meet union representatives to explore alternatives such as a mutual severance scheme and vacancy rationalisation, but claims no concrete proposals have been received.
- The GCU Students’ Association voted to express no confidence in Principal Mairi Watson and Chief Financial Officer Paul Queen, urging the administration to rule out compulsory redundancies.
Criticism & Opposition
- Alison MacLean, Unite’s regional coordinating officer, called the strike “historic” and warned the joint action would force the university to close its doors and lecture rooms.
- Unison branch secretary Davena Rankin said the unprecedented unity of all four unions reflects deep concern about compulsory redundancies and urged the university to rule them out to rebuild trust.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cash reserves: Union claims of about £95 million contrast with the university’s reported £88.9 million.
- Job cuts: The university’s proposal mentions 40 posts, while other statements refer to a broader plan to cut 100 jobs. No independent audit of the exact numbers has been presented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Glasgow Caledonian university’s attack on jobs, pay and conditions is unnecessary and a vindicative choice by its management. Our members have been left with no option but to fight back against these unnecessary cuts.” — Sharon Graham, union general secretary
- “The joint action will force the university to close its doors and lecture rooms.” — Alison MacLean
What’s Next
GCU has indicated that the library will close at 6 p.m. on October 15 and that it remains “disappointed” that unions are demanding the use of cash reserves. The university says it will continue to seek a meeting with union representatives to negotiate alternatives and to determine whether any compulsory redundancies will be enacted.
