Union calls to scrap non-essential face-to-face teaching at Edinburgh University

The University and College Union has called on Edinburgh University to pause all face-to-face teaching which can be done remotely.

The UCU has called for non-essential face to face teaching to stop.

Vice Chancellor Peter Mathieson has a “moral choice” to protect staff, the UCU Edinburgh branch wrote in a petition shared to staff. The branch hopes for 800 staff signatures to the petition, which will then be presented to university leaders.

It calls for in-person teaching to be offered only when it cannot be done remotely, as well as a phased return and an option to opt-out completely.

As of October 19 321 staff and students had confirmed positive tests, the union said, adding that the total number of positive cases is probably much higher.

The petition also raised concerns over student welfare, adding that it is “time to acknowledge that this experiment has failed”.

In a survey two thirds of staff said they believed there is in-person teaching taking place which could be done remotely, and 91 per cent agreed with the UCU motion demanding in-person teaching only when it can’t be done remotes, the UCU said.

"The reason we have come so far in this fight against Covid-19 is that individuals took it as their duty to protect each other, especially the most vulnerable,” the petition reads.

"As the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh you have a responsibility greater than most. Your responsibility is not simply to overcome technical challenges to bring the university in line with the minimum the law will permit. You have a moral choice, and what you decide will determine how many staff and students suffer and potentially die.

"It’s time to take responsibility: Pause in person working, including teaching, where it can be done remotely; Organise a phased approach to return that is responsive to case numbers; Give a firm commitment that those whose work can be done from home can choose to do so.“Until then, we the undersigned will continue to fight against policies that put our friends, our family, our students and our colleagues at risk.”

University students and staff have taken to social media to call on colleagues to sign the petition.

Edinburgh University has been approached for comment.

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