The "11th hour" deal means strikers will return to work in exchange for staff hardship fund and key concessions on casualised contracts
By Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
Just days after negotiations between the UCU union and University of Abeerdeen management appeared dead in the water, a dramatic "11th hour" deal has been struck- leading to strikes planned for next week being called off.
Shortly after 11 pm Tuesday evening, Aberdeen UCU informed members of the University's offer.
In exchange for calling off strike action scheduled for the next two weeks, the University will put MAB deductions into a staff hardship fund.
Staff members facing financial difficulties will be able to apply to receive funds.
In addition, the University will instruct Schools to offer some workers on GMH (zero hour) contracts the opportunity to sign a fractional contract.
Staff members will also receive three extra days off over the winter break.
Despite the agreement, industrial action may return later this term.
The UCU is running a national ballot for strike action, which if approved, would allow the union to call strikes at over 140 universities, including UoA.
According to UCU: "The ballot will run until Friday 3 November and is aggregated. A successful ballot will renew the union's existing strike mandate and allow staff at every university being balloted to take industrial action well into 2024."
Students and staff are invited to Union Brew on Friday at 7 pm for an open discussion about the strikes and ongoing industrial action.
UCU reps will be present to answer questions, and we have invited university management to attend as well.
