A trade union that represents staff at Cardiff University has announced plans to ballot for strike action. A mass gathering was held outside the Senedd against proposed 400 jobs cuts and academic schools closures.
Vice Chancellor Wendy Larner said that the University must make difficult decisions to create a more focused and higher quality research environment for staff and students. Cardiff University says it has a shortfall of 31.2 million pounds from last year and the deficit expected for 2025 is 65 million.
But UCU Union has questioned the numbers and says closures are not necessary.
“We have alternative measures and if they don’t agree then we will have to continue with strike actions and graduations will be disrupted,” Dr Andy Williams, Cardiff University lecturer and UCU spokesperson said.
Emily, a nursing student was one of those protesting. The nursing school is among the schools under threat of closure, “We are here to stand in solidarity with our lecturers and to continue nursing education in Wales , in Cardiff. We can’t let nurses disappear when NHS needs us more than ever.”
The UCU is taking action after Cardiff University announced 400 job cuts and plans to axe several academic departments. A petition on Change.Org started by Hannah Sayman to save Cardiff University School Of Music has gathered 23,862 signatures. The School of Modern Languages is also facing threats of closures. Another petition started by Olivia Hamilton on Change.Org has gained 10,484 signatures so far.
BMA also expressed their solidarity. Hundreds of staff and students joined protest at the Senedd.