(Image: PA)
Union members at a university are being balloted on industrial action over job cuts and for “victimising” a union rep staffer who was dismissed.
University and College Union (UCU) members at the University of Aberdeen are being asked about future strikes as the employer has not yet ruled out compulsory redundancies, with the union stating there has been a lack of engagement between them and the university.
The ballot, which opened on Wednesday, was also opened in response to Professor David Anderson’s dismissal.
The professor, who was employed by the university for 27 years, was a long-standing UCU union rep, who the union says was fired for carrying out trade union activities.
The union ceased negotiations with the university shortly after he was removed from his post.
University and College Union (UCU) members at the University of Aberdeen are being asked about future strikes (Image: NQ)
Other options included in the ballot include other forms of industrial action, such as not covering for absent colleagues when necessary, and a marking and assessment boycott.
It follows 10 days of strike action earlier in 2026 for similar reasons.
Meanwhile, a petition to reinstate Prof Anderson has almost reached 1,200 signatures, with supporters from universities in the UK, the US, Europe, and Canada.
Dan Cutts, UCU Aberdeen branch president, said: “UCU at Aberdeen won’t stand to see any member of the branch, let alone a longstanding UCU rep with an outstanding record as an academic, subject to what looks like it could be victimisation.
“Seeing our colleague dismissed is simply a step too far from senior management here.
“David’s dismissal was grossly disproportionate, particularly at a time when there is major restructuring ongoing and when there is serious disagreement between senior managers and staff.
“Management need to take a step back and engage with the union to reinstate our colleague and normalise industrial relations at the university.”
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Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, added: “The last strike over jobs and possible compulsory redundancies at Aberdeen was back in May.
“The pause since should have been grasped by senior management and used to engage properly with the union and find an end to this dispute.
“Instead, they are pressing on with planned job cuts and stand accused of victimising a longstanding union rep.
“We won’t accept that and I’m calling on every UCU member to vote ‘yes’ in this ballot to make this great university a better place to work and study.”
The ballot closes on November 30.
A spokesperson for the university said: “We are committed to maintaining a positive and constructive relationship with our campus trade unions and have engaged with and acted upon various topics raised in recent months, including progressing our academic promotions process.
“Belonging to and being active in a trade union is a recognised, respected and protected right that the university upholds.
“We are unable to comment on individual staffing matters, which are confidential.”