Pay deal for college staff shows ‘stability’ for sector
Paisley lecturer speaks out on successful negotiations
Teaching staff at West College Scotland in Paisley have agreed on a pay rise for this year.
Union EIS/ FELA and the Colleges Scotland Employers Association have agreed on a two per cent consolidated pay increase for 2020/21.
The offer was agreed upon by 97 per cent of members who responded to a ballot.
West College Scotland lecturer John Kelly, who is the branch secretary for EIS/ FELA and the unions’ national salaries convener, said he hoped the agreement would lead to a more settled future in further education.
Staff in Paisley joined others across Scotland on several oneday strikes last year over pay talks, which were eventually agreed.
Mr Kelly said: “There have been successful negotiations this year over salaries for FE lecturers across the country and in particular at West College Scotland.
“Members from all over Scotland have voted to accept the two per cent pay offer from Colleges Scotland and we would hope that this settlement might herald a period of stability in FE.
“The sector does need stability, and in the troubled times, which we are all experiencing, our students need the continued support of their lecturers.
“Let’s hope that Colleges Scotland recognise the importance of co- operation as a model in FE and that going forward we will see more partnership working between employers in FE and the staff who work in colleges.”
A spokesperson for Colleges Scotland Employers’ Association said: “This year has been extremely challenging because of Covid- 19 and the sector is facing significant financial challenges, so it is good news that an agreement has been reached.
“During the pandemic, college staff stepped up to effectively deliver online remote teaching during lockdown and have worked hard to ensure that blended learning can take place this academic year.
“It is only right that this dedication is recognised and augments the excellent pay, terms and conditions already in place for lecturing staff across Scotland.
“Colleges will be vital to Scotland’s inclusive social and economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic by providing opportunities for people to train, reskill and upskill, and our staff will be at the heart of supporting individuals and delivering the skilled workforce that businesses need.”
In the troubled times which we are all experiencing our students need the continued support of their lecturers