The staff of the University of the Highlands and the Islands are being fenced for the strike in a dispute over employment cuts and the use of mandatory redundancies.
The University Union and College (UCU) said it occurs after the senior management of the university announced last month that plan to make 16 people result as part of the efforts to save £ 2 million.
The union said that the cuts would be a devastating blow for staff in the university executive office that loses its jobs, and fears that there may be more in the future.
The UCU members employed in the University Executive Office are asked if they are prepared to participate both in strike and in action, without strike, in a ballot that closes on October 7.
The president of the Branch of the University of the UCU, Confor or Giollagain said: “Obviously, the redundancy has a great impact on the people who lose their work, but also leaves other personnel with the greatest workloads and the university itself less capable of giving students and communities of education in the highlands and the islands they deserve.
“The times are difficult right now in higher education, but the answer is not to reduce the personnel that provide vital services that direct the university and that guarantee their future.
“By announcing these job cuts, university management shows that they have not learned from the mistakes they have made in the past. Despite this, it is not too late to avoid attacks and all the interruptions it entails.
“We are asking the directors and senior directors to get involved with the union, to review the numbers with us to ensure that we do not return here again in a year, and that they work with us to identify alternative savings and, crucially, to stop using mandatory redundants.”
The union argues that the senior management of the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) should be considering different savings of cutting the staff.
Jo Gray, general secretary of the UCU, said: “Almost two years ago I stopped in the picket line with UHI members fighting the loss of jobs and tried to ensure the future of the university.
“Back here only two years later seems that management is making the same mistakes again.
“Unfortunately, we have to vote again for industrial action, but I have no doubt that members will do the right thing to save jobs and ensure the long -term future of the University voting 'yes'.”
A UHI spokesman said: “Like many institutions throughout the higher education sector, the University of Highlands and Islands is taking proactive measures to ensure long -term financial sustainability for the benefit of our students, personnel and communities.
“The increase in inflation, together with the public cash financing, has created significant challenges in the delivery of a balanced budget.
“Despite the constructive commitment to the union and the exchange of detailed financial information, we have not been able to identify viable alternatives that achieve the necessary progress towards the financial balance.
“The University has remained clear and consisting of its commitment, as part of its 2030 strategic plan, to achieve a balanced budget and guarantee financial sustainability in a very challenging financing climate.
“We are chasing this in a responsible way through a combination of cost reductions and income generation measures, ensuring that we can continue to offer education, research and exchange of high quality knowledge for the regions we serve.”
