Aberdeen University staff vote to strike over languages cuts

University staff have voted to strike over changes to modern languages degrees

Staff at the University of Aberdeen will take industrial action in a row over modern languages cuts.

The University and College Union (UCU) said about 30 people were at risk of redundancy due to the changes.

In the ballot of UCU Scotland members, 80% of those who voted backed strike action in a turnout of 60%.

From the next academic year, students will not be able to start single honours degrees in French, German, Spanish or Gaelic.

Those wishing to study them will have to do so as part of a joint degree.

The university court announced the decision in December, based on a recommendation from the senior vice principal, Prof Karl Leydecker.

Its management said low uptake of the courses meant the current model was not sustainable.

• Uni strike ballot opens after cuts to languages

• Aberdeen Uni to continue joint modern language honour degrees - BBC News

• Uni should 'carefully consider' languages cut plan

The union's branch chairwoman, Dr Rachel Shanks, said members had "made it abundantly clear that senior managers need to rethink their plans to cut jobs and cut the university's offer in languages."

"The ballot result is a mandate for industrial action and to oppose job cuts," she said.

"Aberdeen is an important employer in north east Scotland and cuts of this scale will have a serious impact on the economy locally, the student experience, and both the university and city's reputation.

"It is not too late for university managers to work with UCU and others and to find alternatives that don't involve such drastic cuts and job losses."

Senior vice principal Prof Karl Leydecker recommended the changes to the university court

A University of Aberdeen spokesperson said the university was facing serious financial challenges and had to take "essential action to generate extra income and to make savings".

"We understand the strength of feeling across the university with regard to potential job losses," they said. "Early retirement and voluntary severance applications are our focus.

"Compulsory redundancy is something that the university always seeks to avoid.

"We hope that ongoing dialogue with colleagues in modern languages and union representatives will mean that industrial action will not take place. If it does, every effort will be made to minimise the impact on students."

The spokesperson said the university was exploring "all options for ensuring the future academic and financial sustainability of our modern languages degrees."