We want to be clear: we do not want to be on strike. We are here because we believe in protecting the quality, integrity, and future of education and research at the University of Aberdeen.
What’s really happening?
Over the past decade, academic departments have delivered strongly for the University— bringing in an additional £35 million per year to support teaching, research, and the wider institution.
At the same time, University figures show a £30 million annual decline in estate income.
Instead of addressing this imbalance, current proposals focus on cuts to teaching and staffing. These include the risk of compulsory redundancies, which would have serious consequences for staff, students, and the long-term strength of the University.
Strike action is always a last resort.
Aberdeen UCU put forward a reasonable proposal to avoid further disruption. This proposal would have:
- Prevented compulsory redundancies for six months
- Focused on voluntary savings instead
- Created space for constructive, meaningful discussions
In return, we were prepared to pause strike action.
University management rejected this proposal.
That is why we find ourselves still on strike.
We understand concerns from students — and we share them.
If these proposals go ahead, they could lead to:
- Reduced teaching capacity
- Larger class sizes
- Fewer courses and programme options
- Less academic support
This is not the future we want for our colleagues, students or our University. Our action is about protecting the education we care deeply about.
We want to return to doing what we do best:
teaching, conducting research and supporting students — in a university that values both its staff and its students.
During strike action, we are continuing to engage through teach-outs — open, informal sessions where students and staff can come together to discuss the wider issues shaping higher education.
Join our teach-outs
📍 Students’ Union Building
🕐 1–3pm daily
- Monday: Q&A with striking staff
- Tuesday: Looking back at 1980s cuts and programme closures
- Wednesday: Rally
- Thursday: Trauma and Palestine
- Friday: Scottish election & its impact on universities
These sessions are open to all—come along, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.
Students’ Union support
Aberdeen Students’ Union (AUSA) has formally supported UCU’s right to take strike action and recognises the importance of:
- Ruling out compulsory redundancies
- Protecting the student experience
- Ensuring meaningful consultation across the University
We are grateful for the support shown by students, colleagues, and the wider community.
This is not just about staff — it is about the kind of university we want to be.
We remain ready to work with university senior management to find a fair and constructive way forward.