Strike ballot over University of Aberdeen job cuts plan
A ballot for strike action at the University of Aberdeen is being held over planned job losses.
The university announced in March it needed to save £10.5m and planned to cut 150 posts. Dozens of applications for voluntary redundancy have been received.
Now members of the University and College Union (UCU) at the university are being balloted for strike action.
The strike action ballot closes on 8 June.
Rachel Shanks, Aberdeen UCU branch representative, said: "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."
The University of Aberdeen 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."
Staff have until 10 July to apply for voluntary redundancy.