Edinburgh College strike postponed

FURTHER strike action has been suspended at one of Scotland’s largest colleges after a deal was reached on working conditions.
Edinburgh College staff have postponed a planned strike. Picture: Ian GeorgesonEdinburgh College staff have postponed a planned strike. Picture: Ian Georgeson
Edinburgh College staff have postponed a planned strike. Picture: Ian Georgeson

A two-day strike was held at Edinburgh College last week in protest at plans to “harmonise” the contracts of all teaching staff, creating a uniform set of terms and conditions and putting everyone on the same pay scale.

The college, which has more than 26,000 students, was formed last year after the merger of three existing colleges.

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Management at the college said planned industrial action had been postponed following a series of “constructive” meeting with the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS).

Ian McKay, chairman of the college’s board of management, said: “The board is pleased that we have a harmonisation proposal that will continue to provide the best possible experience for students. We are hopeful that our teaching staff will accept this offer.”

The EIS will now put the proposal to its members in a ballot that is expected to begin next week.

Penny Gower, EIS branch secretary, said: “We feel the proposal is consistent with the expectations of our members and one which officials are happy to recommend to them. Their determination to pursue a just, no-detriment settlement has been vindicated.”

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