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In a significant display of solidarity, lecturers at Robert Gordon University (RGU) gathered in large numbers to protest against proposed job cuts, marking what organizers claim to be the largest demonstration in over a decade. The protest, held on Tuesday, not only highlighted the frustrations of academic staff but also underscored the ripple effects these cuts are having on students within the classroom.
Students voice concerns over class disruptions
Among the supporters of the lecturers were third-year nursing students Jennifer Geddes, Tina Lawrie, and Karen Cole. They expressed their concerns about the impact of staff shortages on their education. “It’s affected classes meaning we are now in a class with maybe two, three or four other classes depending on circumstances,” Ms.
Geddes explained. The students noted that the university’s staffing issues have led to a lack of resources, particularly in clinical skills training. “We’re having to re-use materials for the next set of students coming in because there has been a lack of funding for students in clinical skills,” she added. This situation has placed immense pressure on lecturers, with reports of one tutor working over 90 extra hours without additional pay.
Job cuts and financial challenges at RGU
The university is facing a precarious financial situation, with more than 130 jobs at risk following a voluntary severance scheme earlier this year. Although RGU has managed to reduce the number of compulsory redundancies to a maximum of 60, staff members are demanding that the threat of job losses be completely removed. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union members gathered outside the university’s Sir Ian Wood Building to advocate for their cause, emphasizing the need for sustainable staffing levels to maintain educational quality.
Concerns over future healthcare workforce
Jackie Leith, RGU’s principal lecturer for undergraduate nursing, highlighted the critical role the university plays in preparing the future healthcare workforce in the region. With NHS Grampian currently grappling with its own financial crisis, the pressure on the workforce is palpable. “The only way we get nurses available at scale is coming through here,” Leith stated, pointing out the contradiction of reduced staffing while being expected to recruit more nurses. The situation raises questions about the university’s financial priorities, particularly regarding expenditures on business class travel and catered meetings during a time of austerity.
Impact on student experience and local economy
Christopher Silver, a journalism lecturer, voiced concerns that ongoing job losses will adversely affect the quality of the student experience and the diversity of degree offerings. He criticized the university’s lack of engagement with staff regarding these issues. Regan Kyle, course leader for International Fashion Business, urged the administration to explore alternative savings measures, emphasizing that staff play a crucial role in attracting students to the university. Chris Yuill, EIS branch secretary, highlighted the university’s significance in providing jobs within the local economy, particularly in fields such as engineering, nursing, and social work.
Political support and calls for change
Support for the protest extended beyond the university, with North East MSP Maggie Chapman, recently elected rector at crisis-hit Dundee University, joining the picket line. Chapman described the redundancies as “short-sighted” and warned that the university would “pay the price in the future.” She called for a reevaluation of higher education funding from both the Scottish and UK governments, advocating for changes to immigration rules that hinder international student enrollment. The situation at RGU follows similar strikes at Dundee University, where up to 700 jobs could be lost.
University’s response to the crisis
In response to the protests, RGU principal Professor Steve Olivier stated that the university has consulted extensively with trade union representatives. He reiterated that the maximum number of compulsory redundancies would be 60, following two voluntary severance schemes. Additionally, he mentioned that over 60 vacant roles have been identified for redeployment, which could further reduce the number of compulsory redundancies. The Scottish and UK governments have been approached for comments regarding the ongoing situation.
