Classes cancelled due to Forth Valley College lecturer strikes

Members of the EIS-FELA Local and EIS FELA National teaching unions are again taking industrial action in a dispute over a plan to cut jobs in favour of “instructor assessor” positions.

The strike will take place on Wednesday, March 17.

As a result, classes at FVC’s Falkirk, Alloa and Stirling campuses will be scrapped.

A plan to strike on Tuesday, March 16 has been postponed.

Dr Ken Thomson, FVC principal, said: “EIS-FELA Local and EIS FELA National have voted for strike action, in relation to instructor assessor roles within colleges.

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“In the best interests of learners, we have taken the decision that all classes will be cancelled on this date, unless alternative arrangements are put in place by individual departments.

“Beyond next Wednesday we will review the situation for further dates of proposed action. Our aim is to minimise the impact on learning and teaching, wherever possible, and continue to deliver the best possible learning experiences for our students whilst a resolution is found for this dispute.

“Our main concern at this time is for our students and how strike action will affect them and their studies, on top of the ongoing challenges they are already facing due to lockdown restrictions. A key priority is to ensure these students can complete their qualification and move forward on to their next steps.

“The college has been clear from the outset that the role of instructor assessor, as an integral and valuable part of our delivery portfolio, will not be removed from our organisational structure.

“There are currently 44 instructor assessors in post and some of these are new members of staff. These roles are supporting our vision for 2030 to ensure we have a sustainable college for the future.

“Moving forward, we will continue to listen and engage with EIS-FELA. However, our position is that we require an acceptance from EIS-FELA in regards to the role, as the college believes this is the right approach as we align our national delivery model to industry standards.”

Kenny MacInnes, FVC’s vice principal, said: “Discussions are currently ongoing with EIS local with regards to their industrial action planned for Wednesday. We will issue an update when more information is available.”

EIS has been contacted.

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