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Glasgow Caledonian University is currently experiencing strike action involving all three campus unions—UCU, EIS, and Unison—who have united in protest over planned job reductions. This coordinated walkout, taking place for the first time across all unions simultaneously, has the potential to severely disrupt university operations. The strikes stem from management’s proposal to eliminate approximately 50 positions, with the possibility of compulsory redundancies not being dismissed.
The university attributes the job cuts to a significant financial shortfall, citing a £33 million decline in income over two years, which has been partly caused by a reduction in international student numbers. Efforts to address the issue began back in March when management initially revealed plans to cut up to 100 posts. Although voluntary redundancies have since reduced this figure to around 50, the core disagreement centers on the possibility of compulsory redundancies. The unions strongly oppose forced job losses and have sought assurances from the university that no employees will be made redundant against their will; however, management has refused to give such guarantees.
Unions argue that the financial crisis is being misrepresented and maintain that cuts are a choice rather than an unavoidable necessity. They point to the university’s reported £95 million cash reserves and question recent investments such as the £4.5 million land purchase in the city center, which they deem unwise under the current circumstances. Conversely, the university defends its decisions by stating that buying and selling property is part of a long-term strategy and highlights an anticipated £10 million deficit for the upcoming financial year. According to the institution, the job cuts are essential to restoring financial stability.
In response to the strike, a university spokesperson expressed disappointment over the decision to walk out, emphasizing that most alternative measures proposed by the unions have already been implemented, which is why the initially planned reductions have been scaled down. They reiterated that voluntary redundancies remain preferable but warned that compulsory redundancies could become unavoidable if required savings are not met. Union representatives, including Unison’s Davena Rankin and UCU’s Karen Lorimer, stressed the need for job security to maintain staff morale and ensure support for students. Law lecturer and EIS branch secretary Dr. Nick McKerrell also indicated that Glasgow Caledonian was in a relatively strong financial position, questioning the necessity for forced job cuts.
This strike marks the most significant point so far in the ongoing dispute, with all three unions participating simultaneously, an uncommon occurrence especially with both lecturers’ unions involved. Including support staff, who cover essential services such as IT, security, catering, cleaning, library, and student welfare, the walkout is expected to bring most campus activities to a halt. The university acknowledges the potential for considerable disruption to students but aims to minimize it where possible. Further strikes are scheduled into mid-October, with additional action planned from the lecturers’ unions next week and staggered participation expected from Unison members.
The issues at Glasgow Caledonian are part of a wider pattern affecting other Scottish universities. Similar disputes have erupted recently, such as at the University of Edinburgh where around 3,000 staff have commenced a five-week strike over £140 million in cuts. Dundee University staff are also participating in a five-week strike. Earlier in the year, employees at Dundee, Aberdeen, Strathclyde, and Heriot-Watt universities took industrial action amid comparable tensions. The fundamental challenge across the sector involves funding: Scottish universities receive set funding per local student without charging tuition fees and have historically compensated for funding gaps with fees paid by international students. With fewer overseas students enrolling and operational costs rising—covering staff, pensions, and energy—a significant financial shortfall has emerged. A recent government review group estimated an annual sector funding shortfall of approximately £200 million alongside a £1 billion backlog in needed repairs
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