Cardiff University staff overwhelmingly vote for strike action

A massive 83% backed strike action, while 86% backed action short of a strike up to and including an assessment boycott, in a ballot that saw over 64% of Cardiff UCU members vote.

The ballot result means that staff could now down tools unless management agrees to rule out compulsory redundancies. Staff will meet later this week to decide and vote upon next steps including the options of strike action and action short of a strike, which could disrupt student graduations this summer.

Management claims it needs to make deep cuts to balance the books, but UCU's independent analysis of Cardiff University's finances shows they could draw on £188m in available cash to protect jobs and student provision.

Since the cuts were announced, Cardiff University leaders have come under sustained pressure to reverse them:

• Cardiff UCU has tabled an alternative proposal for a longer, more gradual recovery - drawing on available funds without cutting jobs - which has cross-party political support in Wales;
• The Welsh Government has made £19m additional funding available to Welsh universities and said they should work in  partnership with UCU to avoid compulsory redundancies;
• Management has come under fire for establishing a new campus in Kazakhstan while cutting the University at home; and
• This week, Cardiff Vice Chancellor Prof Wendy Larner was criticised for delaying an appearance to be scrutinised by the Senedd's Education Committee.

At-risk staff, many unable to speak out against the cuts because of a widely reported "climate of fear" fostered by senior managers, have built a vibrant coalition in defence of their jobs, with public figures including Neil Kinnock and organisations such as the Royal College of Nursing also opposing the cuts.

Cardiff University UCU branch president Dr Joey Whitfield said: 'This ballot result shows Cardiff staff are united in their opposition to the cruel and unnecessary cuts management are trying to force through. It's time for Cardiff University leaders to listen to staff and recognise the huge amount of public, political, cultural, and community support we have built before they further damage the university's tattered reputation. They must use the university's £188m of available cash to fund a more cautious and evidence-based approach to improving our finances without destroying our members' lives. Industrial action is always difficult, and always a last resort, but if the university doesn't negotiate and row back on its disastrous plans we will be left with no choice.'

UCU general secretary Dr Jo Grady said: 'Cardiff staff are furious at the university's refusal to work with UCU to avoid these swingeing cuts. The vice-chancellor now needs to concentrate on resolving this dispute and avoiding strike action at home before thinking about opening a new campus in Kazakhstan.'