Lecturers at Edinburgh Napier University have voted to back strike action in response to planned job cuts of up to 70 posts. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union reported that 93% of voting members supported possible walk-outs, as the university prepares to implement a further 10-15 compulsory redundancies in early 2026.
The overwhelming ballot result demonstrates lecturers' willingness to take industrial action against what the union calls an "unnecessary and unjustified" cuts program. The EIS-ULA executive will now consider next steps for potential strike action.
Union challenges necessity of cuts
The EIS disputes the need for further job losses, arguing that Edinburgh Napier University remains "financially stable" and has already achieved significant savings through voluntary redundancies. The union warns that compulsory cuts would negatively impact students through reduced teaching quality, longer assessment turnaround times, and decreased support levels.
Andrea Bradley, EIS general secretary, said: «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, EIS area officer, previously stated: «These job cuts are totally unnecessary and unjustified. Edinburgh Napier remains financially stable and has already seen a significant reduction through voluntary redundancy. If compulsory redundancies go ahead students will inevitably feel the impact.»
Many staff members have already departed through voluntary redundancies before the proposed compulsory cuts. Edinburgh Napier University has been contacted for comment.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
