The Herald: College staff threaten to strike over pay dispute

24 May 2013

Andrew Denholm, of The Herald, reports today...

"STAFF at one of Scotland's largest colleges are threatening to strike in a long-running dispute over pay.

STAFF at one of Scotland's largest colleges are threatening to strike in a long-running dispute over pay.

      

Public-sector union Unison wants talks at the City of Glasgow College saying an unpopular pay settlement is being forced on staff.

Last week, Education Secretary Michael Russell praised the college for its successful merger and principal Paul Little wrote to staff thanking them for their "superb team effort".
      
However, Martin Clark, Unison steward at the college, said about 300 support staff had rejected a pay offer of a flat rate rise of just £250 for those earning less than £21,000 and nothing for those on more.

"If the college merger is such a success, why are our members not being offered a proper pay award?" asked Mr Clark. "We want to get back round the table and talk with them, or we will have no option but to move towards a ballot for industrial action.""

Full story at The Herald

See UNISON's news release
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City college praised for successful merger faces possible strike ballot - UNISON

Thu 23 May 2013

UNISON today called for talks at the City of Glasgow College after managers threatened to impose a pay settlement that has been rejected by support staff.

Only last week Scottish Education Secretary Mike Russell praised the college over its supposedly successful merger, with colleges around Scotland lined up for similar mergers.

And College Principal Paul Little wrote to all members of staff thanking them for their “superb team effort” in making the pathfinder merger a success.

But around 300 - mainly women - support staff have rejected a pay offer from last August that would give nothing at all to those earning above £21,000.

Those on under £21,000 would receive just a £250 flat rate rise per spinal column point on the pay scale.

Martin Clark, UNISON steward at City of Glasgow College, said: “If the college merger is such a success, why are our members not being offered a proper pay award? Instead the college is talking about imposing this.

“We want to get back round the table and talk with them, or we will have no option but to move towards a ballot for industrial action.”

Scott Donohoe, assistant branch secretary at Glasgow City UNISON, added: “We think there should be more money on the table. Staff have worked really hard. The Principal said he is working to bring all staff along together in an inclusive and people-centred way.

“If so, and if the merger is such a success, his workforce should be celebrating, not balloting. This can be sorted out by giving our members a fair pay rise.”

ENDS

Notes for editors

1. UNISON is Scotland’s largest trade union representing 160,000 members working to deliver vital public services.

2. The City of Glasgow College was created in September 2010 through the merger of Central College, Glasgow Metropolitan College and Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.

3. UNISON members rejected the pay offer in a consultative ballot this month. If the College imposes the offer, UNISON will be moving to a ballot for industrial action.

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