Forth Valley College strike

Students at Forth Valley College are being warned to expect disruption - as staff strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of the EIS-FELA union are walking out today, in the first of three days of industrial action.

It's part of a series of national rolling strikes.

Forth Valley College say exams will go ahead, but classes are cancelled.

EIS-FELA President Anne-Marie Harley said, “Once again EIS-FELA members are being forced to take strike action in pursuit of a fair pay offer. It is a disgrace that in 2024 our members are living on 2021 wages, amidst the worst cost of living crisis in generations. We should have had this money in our payslips in September 2022. For many EIS FELA members, the amount of money tabled in the second and third years of the current offer falls below current public sector pay policy. The EIS-FELA does not accept that our members should be treated any differently to any other public sector workers and are simply seeking a fair pay offer which properly reflects the invaluable work that we do.”

Ms Harley added, “Members have been informed that there will be cuts to services and courses for students, creating barriers and fewer learning opportunities for those students accessing college education. College Principals have further added fuel to the fire by threatening to withhold pay from our lecturers who are taking part in action short of strike action. This is absolutely shameful and completely contradicts the Scottish Government’s opposition to Westminster’s anti-trade union laws. However, despite these threats, our members remain absolutely united and resolute in our fight to secure a fair pay offer for all members."

Kenny MacInnes, Principal, Forth Valley College, said: “Following the announcement by EIS FELA of further strike action, our aim, as always is to minimise the impact on learning and teaching, wherever possible.

“We understand how challenging this situation is and we are doing everything we can to support our students. We hope a resolution is reached soon.”