Trade union members at four Scottish universities are set to vote on whether to strike over possible job losses. 

Ballots will take place at Heriot-Watt University, as well as the universities of Aberdeen, Stirling and Strathclyde, from 5 January, where University and College Union (UCU) members will be asked if they are prepared to strike. 

The union is also polling members on whether they are willing to take action short of striking, which could include only working to contract; refusing to cover for absent colleagues or undertaking voluntary activities; and marking and assessment boycotts.

The ballots are being held in response to the threat of job losses and the possible use of compulsory redundancies at the universities. 

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UCU said the union had not been involved in discussions about cuts at the University of Aberdeen, where it claims managers have refused to rule out compulsory redundancies in response to financial problems. 

The union previously planned strike action at the institution in spring 2024 over potential job losses in the modern languages department but this was called off after the institution confirmed it would not make compulsory redundancies. 

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“University managers are again seeking to solve financial problems by treating staff as disposable assets,” said David Clough, Aberdeen UCU branch co-chair. 

“The outline plans they have shared would have negative effects on the experience of students and threaten the university’s strength in research. 

“UCU members are resolved to take whatever action is necessary to protect the university’s teaching, research, and the jobs of academic and professional services staff.”

A University of Aberdeen spokesperson said there had been “drop-in sessions and workshops” about restructuring plans. “It’s disappointing to see a ballot being organised when we are still at the engagement and planning phase of the programme and have yet to determine how the university will reposition for the challenging climate facing the UK higher education sector,” they added.

The University of Strathclyde is attempting to save £35 million over two years, which will mean cutting 76 jobs, UCU said, adding that the union was calling for “meaningful consultation” over the plans. 

“Cuts have been imposed as a fait accompli, with staff only consulted after being told their roles are at risk,” said Strathclyde UCU branch chair Jen Remnant.

“We remain open to talks, including through [reconciliation service] Acas, but if this intransigence from management continues, we will consider all options available to us, including industrial action, to defend our jobs.”

A Strathclyde spokesman said the “financial pressures on the UK university sector are well documented” and that the university is “proactively reshaping our finances to ensure we continue to deliver excellent teaching, research and innovation”. 

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They said the university “has been consulting the campus trade unions on a regular basis regarding proposed changes and will continue to do so”. 

Heriot-Watt has also refused to rule out compulsory redundancies, with “at least” 41 jobs expected to be axed in Scotland and 10 in Malaysia, the union said. 

The future of the institution’s Scholar programme – an online learning platform for schools and colleges – is also in doubt, which could lead to further job losses. 

Heriot-Watt UCU president Kate Sang said she was “disappointed” that the university had not committed to protecting Scholar jobs and described plans to reduce teaching staff numbers as “worrying”. 

A spokesperson for Heriot-Watt University said: “While the university is disappointed to note this development, particularly as the UCU has taken this action prior to the conclusion of our formal consultations, we remain committed to constructive dialogue and collaboration over the issues identified.”

They added that the institution is “actively engaging” with UCU and had seen “significant interest” in its paid leaver scheme, which “will play a meaningful role in reducing any potential need for compulsory redundancies”. 

Stirling is also looking to make further cuts after 175 staff left on a voluntary basis in recent months, according to UCU. 

A Stirling UCU spokesperson described any compulsory redundancies as “premature”, given the Scottish government’s recent commitment to launching a cross-party review of higher education funding. 

The review, set to start in January, will explore options for securing a “sustainable path” for the nation’s universities. A steering group is expected to produce a concluding report in autumn 2026.

A University of Stirling spokesperson said: “We are in regular dialogue with a range of stakeholders, including trade union representatives, as we maintain our focus on strengthening the university's long-term financial sustainability and improving operational effectiveness in support of our strategic priorities.”

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helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com