Glasgow Caledonian University staff to strike on Thursday 12 November over job cuts

Staff at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) will walk out on Thursday 12 November 2026 in a continuing dispute over job losses.

The strike is the latest action by members of UNISON, Unite, the University and College Union (UCU) and the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) over planned redundancies, the Glasgow Times reports.

Why are staff striking?

Staff are striking over planned redundancies. The Daily Scot reported in October that all four campus unions had joined the action over plans to cut around 100 jobs.

Davena Rankin, UNISON branch secretary at GCU, said: "Support staff have already sacrificed weeks of pay to defend jobs, the student experience and the future of the university."

She said managers could still avoid disruption: "They need to remove the threat of compulsory redundancies, start listening and work with staff to find a way forward."

What has the university said?

The university says it remains committed to consultation. In a statement reported by the Glasgow Times, it said: "We remain firmly committed to meaningful consultation and are open to negotiations with our trade unions."

It added: "Our priority is to protect the long-term future of the University, support staff, minimise disruption to our students and provide the support they need to achieve their learning outcomes and progress successfully."

Will classes be affected?

Some teaching and campus services may be disrupted on Thursday, depending on how many staff take part. Students should check their university email and course pages for changes to classes.

What happens next?

The strike takes place on Thursday 12 November. Further action is possible if the dispute over compulsory redundancies is not resolved; any new dates will be announced by the unions.