Lecturers at the University of Dundee have commenced a five-week strike today, 21 September 2026, in response to the threat of compulsory redundancies. Members of the UCU union will not be involved in lectures, seminars, or tutorials until after 23 October.
This industrial action is the latest development in a long-running dispute that began almost two years ago following the university's announcement of a £30m deficit. Since then, 675 jobs have been lost through voluntary redundancy, and the university has received £40m from the Scottish government and £22m from the Scottish Funding Council.
The university stated it "anticipates the majority of classes will run as normal" from Monday and will seek to minimise the impact on students. Dr. Melissa D'Ascenzio, co-president of the Dundee UCU branch, said the strike is a "last resort" as the university is still refusing to remove the threat of compulsory redundancy.
Union officials have highlighted the impact of previous cuts on student services and the student experience. Tom Christisen, president of the students' association (DUSA), acknowledged the action could significantly affect students but also recognised the staff's reasons for striking.