Since their day of action in December, students and staff at one of Scotland’s biggest universities have been building a strong campaign of action against the University of Glasgow’s plans to cut £20 million to cope with their funding reduction.
The latest protest saw over 2,000 staff and students marching on 16 February and the occupation of the popular Research Club, which is being closed down. The actions have spread to several other institutions such as the formation of an anti-cuts action network at the music college (the RSAMD).
The university’s cuts would mean axing several departments and abandoning the university’s Department of Adult and Continuing Education. This vital link between the local community and higher education attracts over 5,000 adult learners every year.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Funding Council has ordered a 10 per cent reduction in college budgets this year alone. Speaking for those who work in the sector, Unison’s City of Glasgow branch officer said: “Cutting funding for higher and further education will not help rebuild the economy. These cuts will not only affect staff and students – they will affect employers, families and entire communities. We want to work with colleges to protect ourselves and ensure there is no need for forced job cuts; however, if compulsory redundancies are imposed we will not rule out industrial action.”