New Principal Angela Scott visited the picket line and spoke with students and staff about redundancies.
Principle Scott met with Students Against Cuts (SAC) and striking Dundee University and College Union (DUCU) members on the picket line this morning in one of her first acts as principal.
She also met with this year’s elected members of the DUSA Executive team.
The majority of those standing on the picket line were greeted individually by Principal Scott and many at length conversations were had between striking staff and the new Principal.
SAC may have prompted this action from Principal Scott by marching on her office after the picket. A SAC spokesperson said:
“We are pleased that Angela was willing to start a dialogue with us, but this needs to go further than words. We remain firm in our position that we oppose all cuts, and we call on Angela to rule out compulsory redundancies in her first week as principal.”
Before leaving the picket line, Principal Scott said a few words to those staff and students gathered just outside the University campus. Principal Scott began by thanking staff and students and expressed that it had been a positive experience meeting them.m
The new Principal furthered by saying: “I get a sense of everybody’s passion and commitment, particularly from staff to students, and the commitment of students to staff, which was lovely to hear as well. So, I am committed to trying to make sure that this institution survives and thrives.
“It is thriving.
“There’s lots of great stuff going on through the hard work of students and staff. Hopefully, we can just build on all of that.
“I do share your passion and commitment to this institution, and we will work with trade union colleagues the best we can.”
Principal Scott also jokingly remarked that she is looking forward to her ‘interrogation’ by TJJ later this week.
In an email sent to students, the new Principal said that the role was “a privilege that I am incredibly proud to have.
“Significant change, uncertainty and difficult decisions have affected people in different ways. I begin my time here with humility, mindful of those experiences and of the importance of taking time to listen, learn and understand what matters most to our staff and students.”
DUCU members told that today was a “positive start” with the new Principal and a “positive step forward”.
“What we put to her today as a gesture of pausing at the compulsory redundancy process until we’ve had an opportunity to come together and to have another dispute resolution meeting. And I think the change of direction can be seen already.”
Afterwards, Principal Scott met with the DUSA Executive team. Reflecting on the meeting, DUSA President Tom Christison said:
“Following Angela’s meeting with Students Against Cuts, she extended an invitation to the DUSA Executive Team for a discussion, which we were pleased to accept.
“We welcome this willingness to engage directly with students and their elected representatives and hope it marks the beginning of a positive, open and constructive relationship moving forward.”