Joint UHI executive office and University and College Union (UCU) statement

Following a series of constructive meetings between representatives of UHI executive office and the UHI branch of the University and College Union (UCU), an agreement has been reached which suspends all strike action until Friday 26 January 2024.

As part of this agreement the university has provided further and more detailed assurances on its commitment to collaborating with UCU to negotiate a Recognition and Procedural Agreement that is mutually acceptable to all involved parties with the aim of achieving this agreement by Wednesday 14 February 2024 and continue to work on other policy areas. 

Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor Vicki Nairn said: “Our talks with UCU have been productive and collaborative in their approach. We acknowledge the positive impact that a collaborative working relationship with UCU can have on both the organisation and our workforce and are committed to continuing our talks to negotiate an appropriate recognition agreement.” 

Heather Fotheringham, UHI-UCU branch president said: “We welcome the commitment from our employer to work at pace on formalising trade union recognition arrangements with UCU. Our members want this process to deliver a more constructive relationship with our employer which will benefit staff and students at the University of the Highlands and Islands”.