Staff at Durham University have begun industrial action in a dispute over what they describe as rising and unmanageable workloads.
The University and College Union (UCU) said university management had imposed “unbearably high” workloads on staff after cutting hundreds of jobs.
However, the university denied the claims, saying no compulsory redundancies had been made or are planned. It described the union’s decision to begin working to rule as “without justification”.
UCU Durham president Sara Uckelman urged university leaders to listen to “exhausted staff” and work with the union to reduce workloads and stress.
In response, a university spokesperson said the institution continues to ensure that workloads remain manageable.
“We continue to engage regularly and transparently with our whole staff body on matters of importance to them,” the spokesperson said.
The university added that students would be supported and that efforts would be made to minimise disruption caused by the industrial action.
What the Action Means
The union said the work-to-rule action could last up to six months unless management begins what it called “meaningful negotiations” over workload concerns.
Working to rule means staff will strictly follow their contracted hours, refuse voluntary duties, withdraw goodwill and decline to cover for absent colleagues.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said management could not expect remaining staff to take on extra duties following job cuts.
“University management cannot expect staff to continue to pick up the work of colleagues whose jobs they have axed,” Grady said.
“Hundreds of jobs have been lost and the university is relying on the free labour of those who stay. We can’t allow this to go on.”
The university maintained that it has encouraged campus unions to raise specific workload concerns.
“We work closely with all four of our campus trade unions on issues including workload,” the spokesperson said.
Last year, Durham University announced plans to cut 200 jobs as part of cost-saving measures. In a letter to the UCU in November, the university said reducing spending remained a priority despite the earlier cuts. It also rejected claims that it had refused to engage with the union.
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