Strike by support staff to disrupt colleges Unions: ‘Insulting’ pay offer of £230 rejected

College students across the north and north-east face strike disruption after crunch talks brokeupwithout a new pay deal for support staff.

Trade unions said employers’ refusal to increase an “insulting” offer had made national industrial action appear unavoidable. It would affect operations at Inverness, Lews Castle, Moray, North East and North Highland colleges.

Details of the proposed action will be announced next week – with a meeting on September 5 billed by unions as a “last chance” for bosses to “see sense”.

Unison members voted in favour of strike action earlier this month.

Admissions, catering, cleaning and security staff are among those poised to strike– as well asclassroom assistants, technicians and administrators.

Teaching staff are getting a £450 boost. But while that sumis being offered to support staff earning less than £22,000, the majority have been told theywill get an extra £230. The deal has been rejected by the Unison, Unite and GMB unions, representing 4,266 full-time equivalent support staff.

Shirley Sephton, vicechairwoman of Unison’s Scotland FE Committee, said: “Support staff are working harder than ever supporting students, having lost 10% of posts between 2011 and 2014.

“Management have rewarded teaching staff with a£450pay rise for2016and yet regard Unison members as only being worthy of £230.

“It is an insult to Unison members to offer them half the award college bosses found fair, reasonable and affordable to grant to teaching staff in April 2016.

“The employers are forcingourhandtowardsstrike action and the damage to students and the reputation of the sector lies firmly with the College Employers Association.”

For historical reasons, Orkney, Shetland, Sabhal Mor and West Highland colleges are included in local government pay structures.

Colleges Scotland chief executive Shona Struthers said support staff had recently been given a pay rise and additional two days’ leave.