Industrial action looms as uni management come under fire
Stirling University is once again embroiled in a row over new staff contracts, with maintenance workers poised to take industrial action.
Unite Scotland pointed out this week that university management have been issuing“take it or leave it ultimatums” instead of negotiating with the union to secure“a reasonable compromise.”
It comes as controversial new contracts came into effect last week at the National Swimming Academy run by the university in partnership with British and Scottish Swimming.
Like swimming academy staff, maintenance workers have to reapply for a reduced number of posts which require a greater workload without an increase in pay.
Unite learned of the plans affecting 27 maintenance staff last December and a ballot backing the principle of taking industrial action concluded last week.
Unite rep Mark Lyon said this week his members felt they had been“put under duress”about accepting the new contracts.
He pointed out:“The university wants Unite members to accept new conditions and watch jobs go without discussion. Without negotiation.
“This is the‘take it or leave it’model of industrial relations and it isn’t good enough.
“We are prepared to sit down with the management and talk, but we are not having negotiation by ultimatum.”
Unite Scotland said the maintenance workers they represent at university accommodation blocks had“voted overwhelmingly in favour” of taking industrial action over the new contracts presented by management. Stirling University – where principal Gerry McCormac earns more than £270,000 per year, an increase of more than £20,000 from his 2013-14 salary – earlier this year“strongly refuted” accusations that National Swimming Academy staff had been treated unfairly or insensitively during the process.
A Stirling University spokesman said this week: “Following a review in January 2018, Estates and Campus Services identified a number of necessary changes to meet business needs and optimise resources.
“The university has followed an extensive and transparent consultation process, communicating with staff and working with trade union representatives.”