Dispute at Forth Valley College Continues as Management Refuse to Negotiate

Created on: 05 May 2021

EIS-FELA lecturers at Forth Valley College are taking part in a further 3 days of strike action this week as part of a long running dispute regarding the downgrading of 27 lecturing posts to Instructor Assessor posts.

EIS-FELA members at Forth Valley College have been engaged in strike action since 10th November, 2020.

The EIS branch offered to suspend strike action if management would agree to a joint or independent review, but this was rejected. EIS-FELA also offered to refer the matter immediately to the joint secretaries as part of the National Bargaining protocol which ended the recent national dispute – this was rejected also.

EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said, “Our members are justifiably angry. It has almost been a year since Forth Valley College lecturers have been forced to take action and it beggars belief that a resolution has not been found in that time.”

Commenting on Management’s refusal to negotiate with the branch Mr Flanagan said, “EIS FELA has put forward several proposals to end the dispute and they have been constantly thwarted and stonewalled by management. It is this intransigence which is acting as a barrier to a resolution of this dispute. This is public sector education, funded by the public purse and we have the right to expect the highest standards of management. ‘Fire and rehire’ is not acceptable practice.”

Mr Flanagan added, “I have sent notification to Forth Valley College of further strike dates stretching into June. We are keen to reach an agreement, however, and would urge the College to respond positively to our offers.”