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Lecturers at two Scottish universities have voted overwhelmingly to strike over planned job cuts. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Aberdeen backed industrial action after management at both institutions refused to rule out compulsory redundancies.
At the University of Aberdeen, 83 percent of voting members supported strikes, with turnout reaching 60 percent. The dispute centers on planned budget cuts, despite 40 staff having already left through voluntary severance or retirement. At Heriot-Watt, 74 percent backed strike action on a 70 percent turnout, following a proposed "right-sizing exercise" that could result in at least 41 job losses at Scottish campuses and a further 10 in Malaysia.
Strong Opposition to Job Cuts
Kate Sang, Heriot-Watt UCU president, said: «Today's vote shows the strength of feeling against these cuts and the jobs that senior managers want to lose.» She criticized the university's refusal to protect staff research time: «Cuts to research provision will harm not only the university's reputation, but the development of cutting-edge knowledge to address society's big challenges.»
Dan Cutts, Aberdeen UCU branch co-chairman, emphasized the mandate for action: «Once again members of the union at Aberdeen have shown that they're willing to stand up to job cuts and will take action to stop people being forced out.» He called on the new principal to engage: «There's still time for our new principal to show that he wants to work with staff and the unions, and rule out the use of compulsory redundancies to resolve this dispute.»
Universities Defend Positions
A University of Aberdeen spokesperson acknowledged concerns but defended the approach: «The continued challenges and financial pressures testing the UK higher education sector mean change is necessary.» The spokesperson added: «The prospect of industrial action is disappointing, particularly when our students would be those most affected.»
UCU general secretary Jo Grady urged both principals to negotiate and rule out forced redundancies. She called Aberdeen's position «unbelievable», noting the university is «trying to force staff from their jobs» less than two years after backing down from a similar dispute in spring 2024. That earlier conflict was resolved «at the last minute» when management withdrew planned compulsory redundancies.
Union members at both universities will now determine their next steps, which could include strikes or action short of a strike - working to contract, not covering for absent colleagues, or refusing voluntary activities.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
