A five-day strike at the University of Bradford ended on July 25, 2023. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) protested against the university’s plan to cut jobs and close academic departments as part of its “Transformational Change Program.” This initiative aims to save £16 million by reducing the number of faculties from four to two.
The UCU branch voted for the strike in May, with a 67% majority. A press release highlighted threats to 230 professional staff and over 90 academic positions, with even more cuts expected. During a meeting, the university’s financial officer revealed plans to reduce staffing to levels from 2019, impacting around 300 full-time jobs.
Departments facing closure include Chemistry and Film & Television, which is notable for housing about 400 students and collaborating with the National Media Museum. This is particularly ironic since Bradford is set to be the “City of Culture” in 2025.
The UCU initially planned a longer series of actions but opted for a five-day strike after discussions with university management seemed unproductive. An emergency meeting revealed management’s refusal to meet UCU demands and to extend voluntary redundancy options.
These cuts are part of a bigger trend across UK higher education, with around 10,000 jobs threatened nationwide. This includes significant reductions at other institutions like the University of Hull and Aston University, both of which have also closed their chemistry departments.
Toby Underwood, from the Royal Society of Chemistry, criticized these short-sighted choices. He noted that jobs in chemistry could grow by 30% over the next decade, emphasizing the necessity of these departments for a greener job market.
Moreover, a report from the UCU branch at Queen Mary University details ongoing reductions. Many universities are cutting staff through non-renewal of contracts and salary reductions, affecting student support and educational quality.
The current wave of cuts is overseen by the Labour government under Keir Starmer, which has rolled back funding in various public sectors. Disturbingly, the salary of the University of Bradford’s Vice-Chancellor, Shirley Congdon, is nearly £300,000, showcasing the disparity between executive pay and that of teaching and support staff.
To effectively address these challenges, staff and students need to form rank-and-file committees. This approach can unify efforts across campuses and sectors, making it clear that education must be defended as a fundamental right. We need a movement that prioritizes quality education over profit—one that demands full public funding and eliminates fees, fostering a system that serves the public good rather than corporate interests.
As we look at this unfolding situation, it becomes essential to recognize that the battle for the future of higher education is not just about saving jobs; it’s about preserving an essential service for society.
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University and College Union, University of Bradford, jobs, Transformational Change Program, Higher Education, marketisation
