Canteen staff and cleaners stage walk out

SUPPORT staff at a college walked out on strike yesterday in a row over pay.

More than 40 staff at Stow College occupied a picket line at the main campus in Glasgow.

One of the placards on the picket line had the words “protecting paying jobs at Stow College”. The strikers, who include canteen workers, caretakers, cleaners and administration staff, were taking the industrial action as part of a campaign to achieve the “living wage” of £7.20 an hour.

The management of the college said it remains open to “constructive dialogue”, but added finances were being squeezed.

Chris Greenshields, a Unison steward at the college, said: “People are enthusiastic and we have had support from other union members at the college and students.

“At the start of August we were due a pay increase and there has been none – there is a pay freeze. The management have not shown any urgency.”

Mr Greenshields claimed there was also a threat of some of the support roles being run by private firms where terms and conditions would be “eroded”.

A statement from the college said: “The board and the executive management remains committed to a strategy which looks to sustain the college’s future. As a result of this industrial action all evening and adult special needs classes will be cancelled.”