FE Lecturers Vote to Accept new pay Offer

Scotland's college lecturers have overwhelmingly voted in favour of accepting a new pay offer.

Members of the EIS-FELA voted by 88% (accept) to 12% (reject) in favour of accepting the offer, in a ballot that closed at lunchtime. Turnout in the ballot was high, with 66% of those eligible to vote doing so, during the week-long online ballot.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said, "Scotland's lecturers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of accepting the improved pay offer, bringing an end to a long-running dispute within the college sector."

"The EIS hopes that the settlement of this dispute will allow for a period of stability within Scotland's colleges. It is regrettable that lecturers were forced into taking six days of strike action to secure a fair cost of living pay settlement. Nevertheless, it is very welcome that a resolution has been reached."

Mr Flanagan continued, "Scotland's colleges play a vital role in supporting lifelong learning, and are particularly important in providing opportunities for adult returners to education."

"College lecturers work extremely hard to support students in their learning, and want to ensure the best possible learning experience for students in all of Scotland's colleges -  but the EIS believes that greater investment is needed in colleges, and would call on Scottish Government to better support the sector."

Mr Flanagan added, "EIS-FELA members have stood united throughout this dispute and, today, they have continued to be united in demonstrating their support for this new pay offer."

"With industrial action now at an end, our lecturers can return to doing what they most want to do – offering their full support to students in all aspects of their learning."