University staff begin working to rule
GoogleDurham University staff have begun industrial action over a row about workload pressures.
The University and College Union (UCU) said management had forced "unbearably high" workloads on to staff after "axing hundreds" of jobs.
But Durham University said no compulsory redundancies had been made or planned and the move to work to rule was "without justification".
UCU Durham president Sara Uckelman urged bosses to listen to "exhausted staff" and work with the union to "reduce workloads and stress".
A spokesperson for the university said it continued to ensure workload was manageable.
"We continue to engage regularly and transparently with our whole staff body on matters of importance to them," they added.
"All students will be appropriately supported, including minimising any impact on those who are affected by this action."
'Free labour'
The UCU said the move to work to rule could last for up to six months unless "management begins meaningful negotiations over unfair workloads".
Working to rule means strictly adhering to mandated hours, refusing to undertake any voluntary activities, the withdrawing of goodwill and refusing to cover for absences.
"University management cannot expect staff to continue to pick up the work of colleagues whose jobs they have axed," UCU general secretary Jo 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."
A university spokesperson said it had "repeatedly encouraged" campus trade unions to raise specific concerns over workload pressures.
"We work closely with all four of our campus trade unions on issues including workload," they added.
Last year, Durham University announced plans to cut 200 jobs in a bid to reduce costs.
But in a letter sent to the UCU in November, the university said despite the cuts made, reducing spending remained a priority.
The letter also dismissed claims it had refused to engage with the UCU.