New Principal Angela Scott has announced a two-week pause in the compulsory redundancy process at Dundee University.
The University is currently in a dispute resolution process with the Dundee University and College Union (DUCU) as they enter week five of strikes against cuts and compulsory redundancies at the University.
In an email sent to staff members, Angela stated:
“Having reflected carefully on the opportunities this presents, I have concluded that in order to continue those discussions in good faith, I will pause the immediate next steps in the compulsory redundancy process for a period of two weeks from today while those discussions take place.”
Many students have been impacted by the strikes. In line with this, Angela stated that:
“I believe it is right that we make every reasonable effort to explore whether a resolution can be reached with our DUCU colleagues. Throughout recent weeks, I have heard from many students who have asked that we do everything we can to avoid further industrial action because of the impact it has on their studies, their learning experience and their confidence in the future of the University. I believe we have a responsibility to explore any credible opportunity to secure greater stability for our staff and students.”
Within hours of starting her new role, Principal Scott had met with striking staff on the picket line and Students Against Cuts (SAC). Both DUCU and SAC said that this was a positive first step from the new Principal, but action would need to take place soon, as it now has.
The pausing of the process does not mean that CR will now be revoked as a strategy by the University for financial stability. It does, however, indicate that a fresh dispute resolution meeting, which DUCU have been asking for, has a better chance of going ahead.
Following this announcement, DUCU are set to pause industrial action on the final day of strikes. Both the staff union and the university will attend a dispute resolution meeting next week.
A spokesperson from the Dundee University and College Union (DUCU) stated:
“We welcome today’s announcement from Angela Scott to pause the compulsory redundancy process. We have always been willing to return to the negotiations in good faith, and the two-week pause allows us to do this with the aim of reaching a position that reduces the number of compulsory redundancies.
“This is a positive outcome from our strike action, and we want to thank all members, students and other supporters for their unwavering support over the past five weeks.”
TJJ will provide updates as and when received.