LECTURERS at a Scottish university are to be balloted for strike action in a row over job cuts.
Members of the UCU Scotland union at Aberdeen University will also vote on a work to rule.
The row centres on the university's plans to axe 150 jobs under wider moves to save £10.5 million.
The university currently employs about 3,000 people, with staff wages making up 60 per cent of its costs. It said the cutbacks would provide financial stability in a "very challenging" funding environment.
Dozens of applications for voluntary redundancy have already been received, but the union is concerned the university has refused to rule out compulsory job losses.
Rachel Shanks, Aberdeen UCU branch representative, said: "The University of Aberdeen has a great international reputation and only last week jumped four places in the rankings of UK universities.
"Strike action is always a last resort, but unless the university rules out compulsory redundancies we feel we will be left with no other option.
"Aberdeen will only maintain its reputation for offering a student experience of the highest quality and excellence in teaching and research if the staff who undertake the research and teach the students are there to do the jobs in the first place."
However, a spokeswoman for the university expressed disappointment over the move.
She said: "We are in constant communication with our trade union colleagues and meet at least weekly to discuss progress with the voluntary severance scheme approved by our University Court at its last meeting.
"The scheme aims to contribute to the long-term financial sustainability of the university and provide opportunities for us to invest in areas of strategic importance to us.
"We are extremely disappointed to learn that in the midst of ongoing dialogue the UCU has decided to ballot its members for strike action and action short of a strike."
The ballot was launched as staff at Dundee University went on strike for a second time, also in protest at the threat of compulsory redundancies.
Employees at Dundee, which is looking to axe about 85 roles, previously walked out on 28 April.
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