WORKERS have delivered a “decisive message” to bosses over job cuts at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) with a ballot for strike action.

On a turnout of 69 per cent, 79 per cent of UCU staff at the campus voted to strike, as management press ahead with plans to axe 100 jobs to plug a forecast £10 million budget black hole.

Slamming bosses’ refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies to meet that hit count, GCU UCU branch president Karen Lorimer said: “This is a decisive message from staff to management to rethink what they’re proposing.  

“We want to work with management on alternatives that protect jobs, but the first step must be ruling out compulsory redundancies.” 

Warning the cuts risk “setting back recent progress on fair access,” she added: “It is not too late for management to change course. But this result shows staff have given a clear mandate to respond if meaningful engagement does not follow.”

UCU general secretary Jo Grady added: “Management need to listen to the university’s staff and, before it’s too late, commit to no compulsory redundancies.”

A spokesperson for the University said:  “We have recently concluded a formal consultation process with our staff and trade unions and are considering all proposals submitted.  

“We are committed to working together to ensure the long term financial sustainability of the University, provide a high quality student experience and continue to benefit Glasgow. We appreciate that this is an unsettling time for our University community and are providing support for those who may be directly affected.”