[22 Oct.] Despite more than 18 months of talks between the UCU and the University of Edinburgh, in which the union has proactively sought a resolution to our dispute, almost zero 'negotiation' has occurred. While management has continued to meet with us, they have failed to bring to the table any serious proposals, whereas we have consistently done so - our meetings have so far been a one-way 'dialogue'. UCU Edinburgh negotiators have sought help from ACAS.  

UCU Edinburgh Co-Presidents have written to MSPs today on behalf of UCU Edinburgh members with a briefing on our dispute. UCU’s asks are simple: we want University leadership that prioritises staff working conditions and student learning conditions. Higher education is a public good, and universities should be run as public institutions, not private corporations.

UCU Edinburgh welcomes the news of Principal Peter Mathieson stepping down, and we want to encourage him to do the right thing now: start listening to the voices of staff and students; negotiate with UCU; stop the cuts and make a proper proposal to end the strike; and ultimately resolve this dispute that is entirely of the University management's making. Alternatively: resign immediately.

UCU SCOTLAND PRESS RELEASE Monday 28 September 2026

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at the University of Edinburgh today (Monday) start five-weeks of strikes in a dispute over £140million cuts and compulsory redundancies. The strike follows the announcement two weeks ago that 90 programmes at the university face closure. 

More than 900 students and staff gathered for the inaugural Student-Staff Assembly on Thursday 24 September.

A message for our students about the planned strike action in Semester 1, 2026-27