Lecturers from St Andrews University began a two-day strike on Thursday as part of a protest against “unfair” changes to pensions.
Students had to cross picket lines at a number of university buildings as a month of action got under way.
Staff from 55 UK universities, including 250 St Andrews lecturers, are involved in the protests.
North east Fife MP Stephen Gethins has called on both sides involved in the dispute to get back round the table to avoid prolonged strike action.
He has also written to St Andrews principal Sally Mapstone to ask what the university is doing to reach an amicable solution.
“Many of my constituents who teach at St Andrews, Dundee and universities further afield feel compelled to take this action to defend their pensions, despite displaying long-standing and exemplary commitment to their universities and the education of students,” he said.
“Given the constituency’s high costs of living, I can understand why staff may feel incredibly anxious about the prospect of having to pay more contributions for less of a pension.”
The SNP MP also expressed concern about the impact of the strikes on the education of students, especially those due to sit exams.
“Should universities and unions fail to reach an agreement, students cannot be left in the middle without the opportunity to learn,” he said.
A spokesperson for St Andrews University said: “There are 2,100 staff at St Andrews, 250 of whom voted to strike.
“The vast majority of the university is working normally.
“We will not know the precise effects of the strike on classes until later in the week as staff are not obliged to tell us or students in advance of their intention to take industrial action.”
