Strikes by technical staff are set to continue as university management refuse to negotiate over pensions changes.
At the time of going to print, the trade union Unite was set for three more days of strike action, scheduled for Friday 17th, 24thth and 31st. The union warned it was considering its options to give the strikes maximum impact, in a bid to bring management to the negotiating table. As the strikes continue, their cumulative impact could seriously affect teaching in some departments.
Members of Unison, the trade union representing clerical support staff, would also be affected by the changes. A majority of Unison members, in an indicative ballot, said they would be prepared to take strike action in future. If Unison joins Unite in taking strike action the disruption will be felt across the university.
The first day of strike action was supported by hundreds of other staff and students, who marched through campus in support earlier this month. The union has also received messages of support from colleagues across the country. A statement from the Unite branch at the University of Glasgow said it was an extremely important issue for all university employees. “If one university gets away with dealing with employees in this detrimental way, then we are all at risk,” it said.
The technical staff are striking over changes to their pension scheme which would leave them vulnerable to inflation.
