Created on: 09 Sep 2025
Members of the EIS ULA at Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) will take co-ordinated strike action tomorrow, Thursday, 11th September 2025.
The industrial action is a direct response to the continued threat of compulsory redundancies at both institutions, which the union warns will have a devastating impact on staff livelihoods and the quality of education for students.
EIS ULA members’ decision to strike is a last resort but members have been left with no alternative as neither university has sought to resolve its redundancies dispute.
At UWS, a recent ballot saw over 94% of voting members back industrial action, while RGU members achieved a similar mandate earlier this year. This clear show of solidarity sends an unequivocal message to senior management that staff will not stand by while jobs are cut, and the academic provision of either university is eroded.
The EIS fully supports its members in this difficult but necessary action to protect jobs and the integrity of the higher education sector.
The EIS ULA condemns the failure of both universities to provide a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies. Management at RGU and UWS have both refused to take this critical step, instead continuing with plans that place dedicated, long serving and hard-working staff at risk.
These job cuts are short-sighted and will only increase the workload on remaining staff, leading to a decline in course provision and a diminished student experience. The EIS reiterates its call for both universities to halt their cuts agenda and prioritise the well-being of their staff and students, using the financial reserves that both universities have stashed away.
Commenting on the strike action, Andrea Bradley, General Secretary, said, "Our members are resolute in their fight to defend their jobs and protect the quality of education at RGU and UWS. Staff are being forced to take strike action as neither university has made any attempt to resolve their respective disputes, instead deciding to push forward with plans to make staff redundant.
"These job losses will no doubt have a detrimental impact on local communities, the students who study at these institutions and the colleagues who remain after staff have left or been dismissed.
"Both universities have failed to provide a no compulsory redundancy guarantee, and our members have been left with no choice but to take a stand by striking."
The EIS remains ready to meet with senior management at each university to find a suitable resolution. The union urges the leadership of RGU and UWS to discuss a genuine commitment to a no compulsory redundancy guarantee.
A fair and negotiated agreement is in the best interests of everyone—staff, students, and the long-term health of these vital Scottish institutions. The EIS ULA stands in solidarity with its members and will continue to campaign until a satisfactory resolution is reached.