Created on: 28 May 2025
Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland University Lecturers’ Association at Robert Gordon University are set to take their fourth and fifth days of strike action on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th May, intensifying their ongoing dispute with University management over planned compulsory redundancies.
This escalation underscores the deep-seated concerns of staff regarding job security and the potential detrimental impact on the quality of education and research at RGU. Members on the picket lines will be joined by the EIS General Secretary, Andrea Bradley, on Thursday as a show of support and solidarity with those who continue to fight against the job losses.
Despite previous days of industrial action and repeated calls for meaningful dialogue, RGU management has yet to stop the planned redundancies or even commit to exploring alternative solutions that would protect jobs. The EIS firmly believes the cuts proposed are unnecessary, and will severely compromise the learning experience for students and increase workload pressures on remaining staff, leading to a further erosion of morale and an unsustainable working environment.
Ms Bradley said, “Our members stand resolute in their determination to ensure job security and maintain the high standards of education at RGU. The EIS has tabled alternative proposals that avoid compulsory redundancies and protect the vital contribution of our highly skilled and dedicated staff. If the University push forward with their redundancy plans, it will mean increased workload for those that remain, which will have a detrimental impact on the teaching and learning of students in Aberdeen and the North-East.”
She continued: “The door to constructive dialogue remains open, and we urge the University to seize this opportunity to avert further disruption and work towards a fair outcome for all.”
The EIS remains steadfast in its commitment to defending its members' livelihoods and safeguarding the long-term academic integrity and provision at Robert Gordon University.
The EIS reiterates its call for RGU management to meet with representatives and seeks a genuine commitment to resolving this dispute. We call on students, the wider University community, and the public to support our efforts as we fight to protect jobs and the future of higher education in the North-East of Scotland.