A senior trade union representative has been dismissed from the University of Aberdeen, halting negotiation with management, The Gaudie can report.
The University and College Union (UCU) representative was summarily dismissed from their position, provoking “outrage” from the Aberdeen UCU. The union official has internally appealed the decision, and remained anonymous in UCU communications. The Gaudie will not currently be sharing the name of the member of staff involved.
In official UCU communications, the Aberdeen branch announced:
“Aberdeen UCU, supported by the other recognised campus trade unions, has withdrawn from participation in the University’s Partnership Negotiation Consultative Committee and the Policy Review Group.
“This dismissal represents a breakdown in our already fragile industrial relations with Senior Management that makes business as usual impossible”.
This breakdown in negotiation comes after a tense year between Senior Management and the UCU. Earlier this year, the University announced a £10 million saving plan that could result in over 100 jobs being lost. Multiple strikes were carried out by staff as a result of these cuts, with staff morale and mental health a continued concern.
The UCU has also requested a conciliation process with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) as a “necessary first step towards improved relations with Senior Management.”
The dismissal will also be addressed in a previously scheduled meeting between the Branch Co-Chairs and UCU Scotland Regional Official Nathan Morrison, and Principal Pete Edwards.
The UCU shared a message of support to staff at the University, saying:
“Aberdeen UCU’s response to what has happened is to stand together, support our colleague and use the collective and legal mechanisms available to us to challenge what has happened.”
“We will continue to defend the right of every member to do so without fear of detriment.”