College strikes called off after 'significant progress' in talks

Lecturers have gone on trike several times in the past two years

Three days of strikes across Scotland's colleges scheduled for this week have been called off.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) FElA teaching union said there had been "significant progress" in meetings with the Scottish government and colleges.

Lecturers have gone on strike several times during the long-running pay dispute, which dates back to 2022.

The union added that it expects "an improved offer" to be made formally by College Employers Scotland in the coming days.

EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said the strikes had been called off "as an act of good faith" after the union met Further Education Minister Graeme Dey and college representatives.

Ms Bradley added: “While a final settlement has yet to be reached, EIS-FELA negotiators were significantly encouraged by today’s developments and believed it appropriate to suspend this week’s strikes.

"Based on discussions this morning, we remain hopeful that a resolution can be struck that will finally see a fair pay settlement that will allow lecturers to return to working as normal, and to do what they do best which is supporting their students in colleges across Scotland to learn and progress.”

The EIS-FELA union has claimed lecturers are not getting as good a deal as other public sector workers and fear colleges will need to cut jobs and services to pay for any increases.

Ms Bradley added that she hoped to ballot union members once a new offer had been presented.

College Employers Scotland said it was pleased the strikes had been suspended in anticipation of further progress on the current pay dispute.

A spokesperson added: “These talks will continue this week, and employers will carry on making every effort to resolve this prolonged industrial dispute for the sake of students and staff.

“Colleges will keep students updated about the industrial action scheduled for the coming weeks.”

Although the latest strikes have been called off, the ongoing Action Short of Strike (ASOS) will remain in place for now.

Earlier this year a lengthy pay dispute by college support staff ended after the Unison union accepted an offer worth £5,000 over three years.