Angry students occupied the principal’s corridor at Aberdeen University in support of striking lecturers yesterday.
Students from a variety of groups staged a sit-down protest with signs and banners at the administration building in Regent Walk.
The Universities and College Union confirmed last night they would be continuing their industrial action, which began on February 22, over proposed changes to pensions.
Students were emailed by Aberdeen University’s senior vice principal Mike Greaves yesterday morning, telling them the institution expected lecturers to return to work today.
The email reads: “We expect the current industrial action to be suspended from tomorrow.
“We deeply regret the impact of the strike action and remain committed to minimising the adverse impact of the dispute.
However, Aberdeen University Student Association member Lewis Macleod, who took part in the disturbance, said the claim was “misleading students (and) undermining workers.”
Industrial action will also be continuing at other education facilities across the north and north-east including the University of Highlands and Islands up to and including Friday.
The dispute centres on pensions entitlement with the UCU arguing some members will lose £10,000 a year.
Derek Dawson, the chair of Aberdeen UCU branch, added: “The email was full of misinformation and it was arrogant of them before our members had even taken a vote.
“I think they recognise, as we do, that some of the tactics used by university officials have been intimidating, and the students have shown that they back us.”
An academic from the School of Social Science claimed the lecturers were furious about their treatment.
He said: “We feel we have been cut adrift by the university, and they have issued statements and jumped the gun in a way which has caused confusion for everybody.
“We want to be back teaching. But at the meeting today, the mood was angry and the feeling was pretty unanimous we have to argue for what we believe is right.
“I feel sorry for the students, but they have been very supportive, they have brought us soup and pieces of cake and flasks of tea to the picket line and I think they understand why we are doing this.”
A University of Aberdeen spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that the agreement facilitated by ACAS has been rejected by the UCU.
“We are engaged in dialogue with students who are currently protesting at the University Office.”
