More than 95% of participating Educational Institute of Scotland University Lecturers Association (EIS ULA) members backed industrial action in a ballot that closed today, signalling strong opposition to the university’s proposal to cut up to 100 jobs.
GCU announced in March that it was seeking significant staff reductions across the institution, with the EIS arguing the move would have a damaging impact on academic provision, reducing course availability and undermining the quality of education delivered to students.
The union has also warned that remaining staff would face increased workloads, adding pressure to an already stretched workforce.
The dispute comes despite the university reporting £88 million in cash reserves in its latest financial statement, with projections indicating this could rise to £94m by the end of the 2025-26 academic year.
The EIS lodged a formal dispute with GCU management in March, citing what it described as a lack of meaningful consultation and the rejection of alternative proposals put forward by trade unions. With no resolution reached, the union proceeded to ballot members on industrial action earlier this month.
Staff are also calling for urgent engagement from the Scottish Government, MSPs and MPs regarding the current restructuring process.
Commenting on the result, EIS national officer for higher education Garry Ross said the vote sent a clear message to university leadership.
“With over 95% of those who voted electing to take strike action, our members are unequivocal in their message to GCU management – they do not accept the rationale for these cuts and will fight against any proposed redundancies,” he said.
Ross added that staff concerns extended beyond job losses to the broader impact on students and academic standards.
“University staff are hard-working, dedicated professionals who are not only concerned for the job losses the institution is set on making, but the impact the removal of these posts will have on the number of courses available and the quality of learning and teaching at GCU,” he said.
He also questioned the financial justification for the cuts, pointing to the university’s reserves, adding: “There is no need for the university to be making these staff cuts. GCU holds one of the largest cash reserves of any post-92 university in Scotland.”
The EIS has called on GCU management to halt compulsory redundancies and engage in constructive talks to find an alternative solution.
While the union says it remains open to negotiations, it has made clear that members are prepared to take strike action in defence of jobs and academic provision.
