Aberdeen University staff walk out as ten-day strike action begins over compulsory job cut threat

Staff at the University of Aberdeen have begun ten days of strike action in an ongoing dispute over job cuts.

University and College Union (UCU) staff will walk out on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, while a further eight days of strike action are due to take place in May.

Staff previously walked out over four days in March, meaning the university will have been disrupted for 14 days this term.

UCU members backed strike action by 83% with a 60% turnout amid the threat of compulsory redundancies as the university looks to make £12m of savings over two years.

North East & Tayside

University of Aberdeen facing £12m financial gap over next two years

Cost-saving measures could include moving to a four-faculty model and applying a ten-student minimum to certain programmes

As well as striking, staff are working to contract, will not undertake voluntary duties or cover for absent colleagues.

UCU Aberdeen branch co-chair, Dan Cutts, said: “Spring is a busy and critical time at Aberdeen University and staff want to be at work supporting students but the actions of management and the failure to resolve this dispute has left us no alternative but to take this action.

“Members overwhelmingly backed these ten days of strikes because of management’s unwillingness to engage meaningfully. What we’re asking for is reasonable and hasn’t changed.

“Staff want management to rule out using compulsory redundancies, restore academic promotions at the university as would normally happen, and engage openly and transparently on the ‘adapting for continued success’ programme.”

UCU general secretary, Jo Grady, added: “Once again, staff have shown their determination to stop management forcing through compulsory redundancies. Our door is open for talks, and we’re calling on senior leaders to engage and find an acceptable end to this dispute.”

A University spokesperson said: “It’s clear that much of the UK higher education sector is facing the same extremely challenging circumstances which is why we must change to become more resilient.

“We continue to engage with the campus trade unions and will do all we can to minimise disruption to students who have been assured that they will not be disadvantaged or assessed on topics not covered as a result of classes missed due to strike action.”