Aberdeen University staff vote to strike over languages cuts

University of Aberdeen staff are set to strike following proposed cuts to modern language programs.

The University and College Union (UCU) highlighted that around 30 jobs are threatened. 80% of UCU Scotland members who voted in a poll, with a 60% turnout, agreed to strike.

The cuts mean no new single honours courses will be available in French, German, Spanish, or Gaelic from the next academic year, with these languages only being offered as part of joint degrees.

This decision, originating from the university's senior vice principal, Prof. Karl Leydecker, and approved by the university court in December, is due to low enrollment numbers making the programs unsustainable.

Dr. Rachel Shanks, the UCU branch chair, expressed the need for the university management to reconsider their job and language program cuts, asserting that such actions have wider negative implications for the area's economy and the university's reputation.

The university spokesperson acknowledged the financial difficulties prompting these changes and the aim to avoid compulsory redundancies by focusing on voluntary severance and early retirement.

The university aims to keep dialogue open with language staff and UCU representatives to avert the strike and promises to reduce any potential student disruptions.

Efforts continue to find sustainable solutions for maintaining modern language courses at the university.