Scottish universities face strikes over budget cuts and redundancies

Universities in Scotland are facing industrial action as staff protest budget cuts and job losses. At the University of Edinburgh, a five-week strike is planned to run until October 30. Former MSP Foysol Choudhury has called for urgent action from university management and the Scottish Government to protect students from becoming “collateral damage.” He noted that both international students and local students in specialized programs face significant financial risks due to lost teaching time.

Separately, staff at Glasgow Caledonian University, including security, cleaning, and registry workers, are scheduled to strike for 15 days starting October 1. The Unison union is protesting the threat of up to 100 compulsory redundancies following a restructuring plan aimed at addressing a £10 million financial deficit. Union representatives argue that redundancies are unnecessary given the university’s improved cash reserves and are calling for a sustainable solution that protects both jobs and student services.