‘We Will Not Sit Idle’: DUCU Re-Ballot for Industrial Action

The Dundee branch of the Universities and Colleges Union (DUCU) has notified the University of Dundee of their intention to re-ballot members on industrial action.

The ballot is set to open on Tuesday and, if successful, would allow the union to secure a fresh mandate for lawful strike action lasting until June 2027. In a statement, DUCU said the decision to re-ballot was intended to send a clear message to university management:

“This is extremely important at this point in time to signal the employer that we will not sit idle while they threaten to cut hundreds more jobs in the near future.”

Under recent changes to the UK’s Employment Rights Act 2025, which came into force earlier this year, the legal mandate for industrial action is extended from six months to 12 months. This means unions can sustain strike action for longer without needing to re-ballot members.

Since the financial crisis began in November 2024, there have been 26 walkouts. The most recent was in March, after a vote of no confidence in senior leadership and the announcement of another voluntary severance scheme.

If the ballot is successful, the union would be required to give at least 10 days notice before any industrial action begins, meaning strikes could start as early as mid-May.