Industrial action is expected at London Metropolitan University after 120 jobs were put at risk.
It comes after more than 90% supported a walkout in a ballot on industrial action.
“I am proud of this result, the demand for action is so strong,” said Christina Paine, University and College Union (UCU) branch chair at London Met University.
“Despite postal delays and a devastating situation, our members have delivered a historic result by decisively smashing the trade union ballot thresholds. This vote sends a clear message that staff are united in defending jobs, protecting our university, and demanding a serious alternative to compulsory redundancies,” she added.
Should the cuts go ahead, staff and students fear the impact it will have on their careers and education. Beata, a PhD student who is neurodivergent, told IslingtonNow last week that she risks losing both of her supervisors who she has built a solid working relationship with.
While senior lecturer Glyn Robbins told IslingtonNow that he is at risk of losing his position teaching Community Development and Leadership which he said would threaten his only source of income.
Staff and students have protested the proposed cuts since then. The ballot had a 51.32% turnout, providing the simple majority needed. The window for voting lasted two and a half weeks, and 92 members participated in the vote.
Many colleagues voted yes to strike action while facing the threat of losing their jobs.
Christina Paine
Ms Paine said: “This vote was not easy. Many colleagues voted yes to strike action while facing the threat of losing their jobs. That took real courage. I want to say clearly that I salute the bravery of everyone who stood up and voted to defend their colleagues, our students, and the future of the university.
“The London Met branch will now seek urgent negotiations with management to secure a fair and just way forward that protects colleagues and avoids job losses. At the same time, this strong mandate means we are fully preparing to take industrial action if management refuses to meet our very reasonable demands.”
IslingtonNow has asked London Metropolitan University for comment.
Claudia Efemini is an MA Newspaper Journalism student at City St George's, University of London. She has previously written for BBC Africa and BLK Brit covering Africa and the diaspora across news, culture, and business.