Cuts and a fightback at the University of Dundee
Harvey Duke
On Monday 21st June, 200 people packed the Steps Theatre in Dundee. The public meeting was organised by Dundee TUC. Staff from the University of Dundee, whose jobs are threatened, and students whose services are also under threat, were joined by trade unionists and others from across the city.
All had come to protect jobs, services, and courses. The University plans to end Philosophy and Mathematics degree courses. Also, within the cuts package, which is laughingly called a ‘recovery plan’, are cuts to disability support services and the widely popular Botanic Gardens.
As reported by Dundee TUC: ‘millions of public money has been given to university senior management and their response has been to cut jobs and threaten services’. Local and national media have been full of stories for the last 2 years of appalling mismanagement and greed by higher management who continue to award themselves very high salaries.
The Scottish government gave the University £62 million to limit job losses from voluntary redundancy. Even this far from radical step was treated with contempt by managers – they took the money, awarded themselves pay rises, and demanded a further 190 job cuts on top of 675 job losses through voluntary redundancy since a £35 million deficit was admitted to in November 2024.
Trade union leaders at the University – Melissa D’Ascenzio and Andy McMahon detailed the shock amongst staff at the way cuts were announced through emails, without any semblance of consultation.
Melissa D’Ascenzio, a Senior Lecturer and co-President of Dundee UCU, said that cutting staff is not the way forward for the University. In her earlier testimony to the Scottish Parliament in January, she had said that University staff were ‘suffering anxiety, sleepless nights, and heart palpitations’ due to the crisis. She emphasised on Monday night that managers are still failing to listen or consult with staff.
Tanaiste Custance, President of Dundee Students Union Association, described the devastating impact of cutting support services for students, including help required for the most vulnerable students. And one young woman, a student, spoke from the floor to express anger and call for a fightback.
Mike Arnott, the Secretary of Dundee TUC reminded the meeting that higher management at the University were previously criticised at the Education Committee of the Scottish Parliament for gross failure of governance – a failure to be transparent about University finances, and a failure to consult with staff about the implications of cuts. Mike asked the question – what has changed since new managers were brought in to replace those who had failed the city? The answer was clear – nothing.
There were other powerful speeches from the floor, by former University staff and others about the huge social value of the University to the city. It is one of Dundee’s largest employers. Loss of jobs will also be a big loss to local shops and businesses.
Also, a high proportion of students come from Dundee, and this vital avenue of hope and opportunity will be damaged. Many people made the point that the most vulnerable students, with mental health difficulties or other stresses will be deprived of the support they need to continue their studies.
The decision to slash support services, staff and courses will also inevitably impact upon future decisions of people about whether or not to choose to go to the University of Dundee. If you know you might need help at Uni, why go to one where support has been cut to the bone?
After the meeting, I spoke to Dundee TUC Chair Stuart Fairweather who said: “Those that attended (the meeting) made it clear. Stop the cuts. Open the books.’ The struggle continues.
