Meanwhile, staff at the nearby Keele University are balloting to strike. This comes on the heels of a recent vote held by members of the University and Colleges Union (UCU). The union said there had been a 75% turnout among its members who voted on the ballot, with 99% support for the strike. The proposed strike days are April 28, April 29, May 1, May 6 and May 8.
The university had initially suggested combining the school of humanities with the school of social sciences. This proposal has prompted the scheduled walkouts. This merger not only presents the danger of elimination of 24 jobs, but has sparked tremendous worry among faculty and students that this fate might befall them. In addition to the strike vote, an overwhelming 89% of UCU members expressed support for taking action short of a full strike. This might even necessitate things like going on strike or implementing the practice of working to rule.
The university’s precarious financial state has led to the planned merger. The institution’s most recent accounts show that it has unrestricted reserves of more than £218 million. Yet it is floundering under mounting financial pressures from its own failure to recruit students. This trend points to bigger problems impacting all of higher ed.
The university has already taken significant measures to save costs, including securing £400,000 savings in its business school via voluntary redundancies. A spokesperson for the university acknowledged the financial challenges, stating, “The financial challenges facing the institution are well publicised.” They emphasized their commitment to minimizing disruptions during the strike: “Throughout the period of strike action our priority is to minimise, as much as we can, the potential negative impact on and disruption for our students.”
Reacting to the proposed job cuts, UCU General Secretary Jo Grady said the plan was disastrous. “Our members at Keele have resoundingly rejected management’s proposals to slash jobs and cut student provision,” Grady stated. She called for the university administration to engage in meaningful negotiations to safeguard jobs, courses, and the future of Keele University.
As tensions rise and preparations for strike action escalate, both staff and administration face a critical juncture regarding the institution’s direction and future stability.
