Education / More strike action at college
FURTHER strike action from lecturers is taking place today (Wednesday) and Thursday, although there is not expected to be too much disruption locally due to the Easter holidays.
It follows a previous one-day strike from EIS-FELA union members last week.
The national strike action is taking place across Scotland due to a dispute in relation to concern over the possible downgrading of lecturer roles to instructor type posts.
EIS-FELA said an agreement had been reached on the dispute, but employers’ group Colleges Scotland had failed to ratify this.
The Colleges Scotland employers association said “both sides agree that there is no national plan to replace lecturers with tutor/assessor/instructor roles, nor any other support staff roles”.
Shetland College said that all day and evening networked classes will be affected.
“Local courses delivered in Shetland are currently on holiday and we anticipate little disruption as a result,” it added.
“Your course leader or local campus contact will let you know if any of your classes are affected. Click and collect library services will still be available and support services continue to work remotely and will be accessible.
“We are disappointed this strike action is being taken at this difficult time and will try to minimise any impact on students. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to your course leader or campus contact.”
A Colleges Scotland spokesperson added: “We are still working through one detail of the national role profile with the EIS-FELA, and the employers want to make sure it recognises the complex and professional nature of the role that lecturers undertake.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
