Lecturers at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) have voted decisively to take industrial action in a bitter row over a programme of staff cuts that their union has labelled as "damaging".
Overwhelming Mandate for Industrial Action
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union, which organised the ballot, announced that its members backed strike action by an overwhelming margin. 93% of those who voted supported potential walk-outs, delivering a powerful mandate to union leaders. The dispute centres on the university's plans to cut up to 70 posts, with the threat of compulsory redundancies looming.
The union has sharply criticised the necessity of the cuts, arguing that Edinburgh Napier University remains financially stable. It points out that significant savings have already been realised through a wave of voluntary redundancies, with many staff having already left the institution. Despite this, the university is reportedly seeking to eliminate a further 10 to 15 roles in early 2026.
Union Warns of Impact on Students and Teaching
EIS officials have issued stark warnings about the consequences of the proposed cuts for both staff and students. They argue that reducing staff numbers will inevitably harm the student experience, making it difficult to maintain teaching quality, speed of assessment feedback, and overall levels of academic support.
Andrea Bradley, EIS General Secretary, stated: "Our members at Edinburgh Napier University have clearly demonstrated their willingness to take strike action to fight the proposed job cuts at the university. The EIS will always fight the threat of compulsory redundancies, and our members are determined to take a stand against a damaging programme of cuts which would be bad for students and staff alike."
Denise McKenzie, an EIS area officer, reinforced this message, previously calling the cuts "totally unnecessary and unjustified." She emphasised that students would "inevitably feel the impact" if compulsory job losses proceed.
Next Steps in the Dispute
With the ballot result secured, the EIS-ULA executive committee will now convene to consider the specific next steps in the industrial dispute. This could involve setting dates for strike action or other forms of industrial action. The union's strong mandate gives it significant leverage in negotiations with university management.
The university has been approached for comment on the ballot result and its plans. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the higher education sector over funding and staffing, with unions increasingly prepared to take action to protect jobs and educational standards.
