Colleges pay victory signals end to strikes
Union axe planned action next week after agreeing a deal with bosses
STRIKE action by college lecturers has been suspended after agreement was reached yesterday in their long-running pay dispute.
The Educational Institute of Scotland union said it was a “significant victory” for their members as Colleges Scotland had agreed to “honour the deal” made in March last year on pay and conditions.
Lecturers were due to escalate their action and walk out for three days next week but the union have called it off.
EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: “Following a further round of talks, we have reached a position where Colleges Scotland have agreed to honour the deal.
“This is a significant victory for EIS members and, as a result, all future planned strike action is suspended.”
He said it would see equal pay delivered across the sector and would “inspire other public sector workers fighting for fair pay”.
A statement by the EIS and Colleges Scotland welcomed the breakthrough. They said: “We are delighted that disruption to student learning has been brought to an end.”
The Colleges Scotland Employers’ Association spokesman added: “It not only means an end to the strikes but also, crucially, ensures that colleges can return to business as usual.
“This is a positive step forward for everyone.”
The Scottish Government had appointed a mediator to try to resolve the dispute.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Having put in place arrangements to allow for national bargaining, it has always been the case that resolution of this issue lay in the hands of employers and the union.
“The immediate suspension of next week’s strike action will be very welcome news for students.
“The wider agreement reached will allow Scotland’s colleges to focus on delivering the high-quality education the sector is known for.”
Scottish Labour’s further education spokeswoman Monica Lennon said: “This will be a massive relief to lecturers and students right across Scotland.”
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