Staff at University of Aberdeen have announced four strike days next month as a dispute over cost-cutting measures intensifies.
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) previously voted in favour of industrial action following concerns about proposed cuts. The union has now formally notified the university that the strikes will take place on March 12 and 13, and March 17 and 18.
UCU representatives have urged university management to continue negotiations in an effort to resolve the dispute. In response, the university described the planned action as “disappointing” and said it would make every effort to minimise disruption to students and academic activities.
In a statement, the institution said the strikes were announced while it is working to address financial challenges facing both the university and the wider UK higher education sector.
In December, the university’s principal, Peter Edwards, warned that achieving a break-even financial position by 2028 would be a “real challenge.” He noted that although more than £5 million in savings had been identified, significant work remains.
Edwards said he hopes compulsory redundancies can be avoided but stressed the need for a fundamental review of how universities are funded.
As part of its cost-saving efforts, the university reopened a voluntary severance and early retirement scheme last year to help secure £5.5 million in savings. Recruitment has been frozen, and departments have been asked to identify additional measures to reduce spending. The university recently confirmed that 41 staff members accepted severance packages or early retirement.
Officials said wide-ranging measures have reduced the institution’s deficit for the 2024/25 financial year to £4.3 million. The university added that it remains on track to meet its approved budget and continues working toward a break-even position by 2028.
Financial pressures are affecting other institutions in Scotland. University of Edinburgh has announced £140 million in cuts to address its financial challenges, while University of Dundee received £40 million in emergency funding from the Scottish government.
The Scottish government has stated that it wants to ensure a successful and sustainable future for the country’s higher education sector.
About The Author
