College lecturers across Scotland are currently in a dispute with management regarding pay & conditions and the union representing them, EIS (Education Institute of Scotland) voted to take strike action because of this. 4 of these days have already taken place, with a further 8 planned over the coming weeks.

The dispute surrounds the negotiations regarding the rationalising of pay & conditions across Scotland – basically, there is agreement that all lecturers across the country should have the same pay and contracts, no matter where they work and this was agreed in Spring 2016.

Pay

The Scottish Government (via the Scottish Funding Council) have set aside the extra money to pay the difference to ensure that all lecturers get paid the same, which is to be phased in over 3 years, starting in 2017. This change of pay is the equivalent to an average of 9% increase in pay across the country, but where some will see increased pay-packets, many will not due to the averaging out of pay.

Teaching Time

However, the main sticking point is the conditions side of thigs. These can be quite complex, but in simple terms, this is to do with the average number of hours a lecturer is expected to teach in a working week as well as the number of paid holidays they receive each year.

  • EIS would like to see lecturers delivering a maximum of 22hrs per week
  • Colleges Scotland would like to see lecturers delivering a maximum of 26hrs per week
  • 2 years ago, the average lecturer across Scotland delivered up to 24hrs per week
  • It is accepted by all parties that lecturers should be contracted to work a total of 35hrs per week, meaning the remainder is for class-prep and marking

In very basic terms, EIS are arguing that the average in-class teaching time should be lowered to allow for more time to prepare and mark assignments, whereas Colleges Scotland are arguing that we need to be more efficient as a sector and increase time spent with students.

Paid Holidays

The 2nd sticking point is with regards to paid holidays for staff. This includes public holidays including College Closure days over the Christmas/New Year period.

  • The employers are suggesting that all new staff will be offered 56 paid holidays per year
  • EIS are arguing that this number should be 64 paid holidays per year
  • The current sector average is 60 days paid holiday per year

Correspondence with the college

Letter from ECSA President Neal to the college
Letter from Neal to the Principal (9th May)

Response to ECSA from the Principal
Response from the Principal (11th May)

 

Further Information

BBC Article

Colleges Scotland Information

EIS Information