Aberdeen University staff vote on strike over job cuts

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Aberdeen University staff are being balloted on strike action over proposals to cut more than 100 jobs.

Aberdeen University staff are being balloted on strike action over proposed job cuts affecting more than 100 roles. The University and College Union is asking members whether they are willing to take future strikes, and also whether they would participate in action short of a strike such as a marking and assessment boycott.

The strikes are linked to a savings plan announced earlier this year. Press and Journal reports the university warned up to £12m in cuts may be required, while BBC reports a £10m savings plan was agreed. Both outlets agree the cuts are intended to help the university break even financially, with Press and Journal citing 2027-28 and BBC citing 2028. Lecturers previously described the plans as 'scandalous'. Staff have already taken several rounds of industrial action this year, beginning in March.

Talks between the UCU and the university broke down last month following the dismissal of Professor David Anderson, an anthropologist and senior trade union representative. The university said he was dismissed for 'gross misconduct' after sharing a document with staff. The UCU says the dismissal may constitute victimisation and has set up a petition to reinstate him. Dan Cutts, the UCU's Aberdeen branch president, said management had gone 'a step too far'. The university reopened a voluntary severance and early retirement scheme earlier this year to help achieve the savings.

Aberdeen University staff vote on strike over job cuts — Image: BBC North East Orkney And Shetland

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How it is being reported

University of Aberdeen staff balloted on strikesStaff are disputing planned job cuts which are part of £10m savings plan announced earlier this year.BBC North East Orkney And Shetland · 21 Oct, 10:47
Aberdeen University staff to hold strike vote over job cutsEmployees are angry over the institution’s refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies with more than 100 roles at risk.Press and Journal · 21 Oct, 10:32

In this story: Aberdeen University · University and College Union · Professor David Anderson · Dan Cutts · Jo Grady · Aberdeen

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