Strikes Scotland: Action begins at Edinburgh University amid staff anger at pay penalty

The move follows the university's response to a marking boycott

Staff at Edinburgh University will go on strike today amid a dispute over 50 per cent pay deductions for those taking part in a marking and assessment boycott.

The University and College Union (UCU) said staff faced having their salary docked despite continuing to supervise and provide support to students, conduct research and deal with university administration.

The union has also announced that it will take further action in the new academic year, with strikes planned for a further ten days in September.

File photo dated 13/5/19 of the University of Edinburgh sign. The principal of Edinburgh University Professor Sir Peter Mathieson has said charging Scots graduates for their university education should be given "calm consideration". Mr Mathieson said such a move - which would end the policy of free university tuition - is a matter for politicians and is "beyond my control". Issue date: Monday March 27, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story SCOTLAND University. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

A marking and assessment boycott began in April at universities across the UK amid a dispute over pay.

Edinburgh University has said: “The university is aware that a marking and assessment boycott will cause greater impact to students' award and progression to students than any other form of industrial action and as a result will be implementing withholding salary accordingly.”

In May, The Scotsman reported that close to 500 staff members at the university had signed an open letter saying they were “dismayed and alarmed” at management’s plans to carry on awarding degrees without the usual level of oversight and scrutiny, using similar contingency measures to those introduced at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Students have also spoken of the demoralising impact of repeated disruptions to their education in recent years.

Edinburgh UCU branch spokesperson Sophia Woodman said: “Edinburgh University has just under £2.5 billion worth of reserves. This university and the sector can afford to pay staff enough to support themselves through this cost-of-living crisis.

“The last thing staff want to do is take industrial action, but over ten years of pay being held down and worsening conditions has left us with no option.

“Edinburgh principal Peter Mathieson should stop trying to circumvent lawful industrial action short of strike and join the increasing number of vice-chancellors calling for new, meaningful talks to resolve the dispute.

“Our branch is ready and willing to issue a joint statement with our employer calling for the reopening of negotiations.”