Here's when University of Aberdeen staff will be on strike

Strike dates announced at University of Aberdeen in dispute over cuts <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Strike dates announced at University of Aberdeen in dispute over cuts (Image: Newsquest)
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The dates for industrial action at the University of Aberdeen have been announced, with four strike days in March.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) last week voted for action in a dispute over proposed cuts, with 83% backing strike action and 90% action short of a strike on a turnout of 60%.

The university's management is looking to cut budgets, with no guarantee that compulsory redundancies will be off the table.

On Tuesday, Aberdeen UCU members served official notice of industrial action and the dates.


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Members will strike on March 12, 13, 17 and 18, while continuous action short of a strike will begin from March 12.

That will involve working to contract; not covering for colleagues; not rescheduling lectures, classes, or activities cancelled due to strike action; not sharing or uploading materials relating to lectures, classes, or activities cancelled due to strike action; and not undertaking any voluntary activities.

In a letter to members the union said: "As reported to members at the meeting, this action follows a deeply frustrating dispute resolution meeting with members of the Senior Management Team (SMT). At that meeting, SMT maintained their position that they will not consult with trade unions at this point on any ACS proposals. There has also been no movement on the continued 'pause' on academic promotions.

 "To add to members’ concerns, SMT have refused to schedule a further dispute resolution meeting with the union. In the absence of meaningful engagement, industrial action is the next step available to us.

"We want to be absolutely clear: we remain keen to resolve this dispute without the need to take strike action. We are writing to members of University Court asking them to instruct SMT to return to meaningful negotiations with the unions. Our door remains open, and we are ready to meet at any time."

A University of Aberdeen spokesperson said:  “It’s disappointing industrial action has been announced while we look at ways of tackling the challenges facing the University and UK higher education sector. Every effort will be made to minimise the impact of any action on our students who will be given advice and kept updated.” 

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