UNISON Scotland further education branch are calling on the Scottish minister in charge of colleges, Graeme Dey, to intervene to prevent a crisis in Scotland’s colleges.
College support staff have voted for strike action in an dispute over pay and the harmonisation of jobs across the sector.
UNISON members voted for strike action in April and the union has been trying to avert action which is due to take place at the start of the new term.
The branch made the pleas to the minister on the final day of parliament, before MSPs break up for the summer recess. The branch held a demo outside the parliament and MSPs came out to sign up to the campaign on large post cards. Dressed in full holiday gear, UNISON activists called on the minister not to go on holiday before he has sorted out the crisis in the sector.
The branch are calling for fair pay, end compulsory redundancies, ringfence funds for courses and services, and review of college finance and governance.
UNISON Scotland further education branch secretary, Chris Greenshields said: ”
UNISON Scotland further education branch secretary Chris Greenshields said: “College support staff voted overwhelmingly to take strike action in April. UNISON is doing everything it can to avert action. No-one wants students to start college in the middle of industrial disruption.
“But colleges are in crisis. That’s why UNISON is calling on MSPs to put pressure on the Scottish government for a fair pay settlement for staff. The union also wants to see an end to compulsory redundancies, and a review of the ongoing financial issues in further education. Colleges need to be held fully accountable for their public spending. This really is a final chance for the employers and government to see sense.”
Photos from the Scottish parliament demo
