University of Aberdeen strike called off Published duration 27 June 2015

image copyright Bill Harrison

Industrial action at the University of Aberdeen has been called off after an agreement to prevent compulsory redundancies was reached.

University and College Union (UCU) members had been due to strike on two days in July.

The move was in protest at the university's proposal to cut 150 jobs as part of a £10m savings plan.

The university court will be asked on 30 June to extend a voluntary redundancy scheme until November

The union said no compulsory redundancies would be made during this period.

Local UCU representative Dr Andrew Mackillop said: "We're delighted that the university has worked with us to find a way to withdraw the threat of compulsory redundancies and that management will instead look to find savings from voluntary redundancies and natural staff turnover.

"The union will suspend the planned industrial action including the two day-long strikes. We will continue to work with the university in the coming months to seek alternative savings and allow staff to focus on their teaching and research rather than worrying about their jobs."

Prof Jeremy Kilburn, senior vice-principal of the University of Aberdeen, said: "We are pleased that the dialogue with the UCU has been constructive.

"If the proposal we are putting to Court is passed the management will no longer seek a mandate from the University Court for a programme of compulsory redundancies, and instead recommend the University Court approve an extension of the current Voluntary Severance and Early Retirement Scheme to 10 November 2015."