Dundee University and College Union (DUCU) and the University will proceed with a joint proposal to reopen Voluntary Redundancies (VR), avoid compulsory redundancies wherever possible and DUCU will not conduct, endorse or pursue further strikes insofar as agreement honoured.
Following the passing of the negotiated proposal through University Court and DUCU branch members vote. The coming weeks will see an opening to a new VR scheme termed ‘VR2’ that will be available to those currently in risk pools.
There will also be the opportunity for those outside the pools to apply for VR2 but are subject to criteria set out by the University and subject to their approval. Note that VR2 is only available to academic staff, lecturers, and not professional services.
This will also mean that DUCU will not proceed with their proposed judicial review that generated over £3,000 from crowd funding their supporters.
A joint statement from both parties says: “We have a joint commitment to strengthening industrial relations and engagement across the institution, which we hope will lead to a period of greater organisational stability for students and staff.”
Amongst the agreement is also commitments from DUCU and the University to “working together constructively to implement the agreement in good faith.
“This includes progressing the facilitated workplace project, supported by ACAS or another mutually agreed independent facilitator, and jointly reviewing and refreshing arrangements that support fair work, engagement, transparency, and productive industrial relations.”
The agreement also includes a pledge from DUCU to have no strike action in the remainder of 2026, and no engagement in, or starting of, national action until August of 2028, insofar as the agreement is honoured.
Similarly, the University will implement a moratorium, suspension, on any further institution-wide voluntary redundancy or compulsory redundancy programmes until August 2028.
The statement finishes with saying: “We would like to thank colleagues for their patience, professionalism and commitment throughout a prolonged period of uncertainty. Our shared objective is now to work together in the interests of our students, our staff, and the future of the University.”
You can read the joint proposals which were agreed on here.
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