South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth is supporting striking EIS-Fela union members as rolling strikes begin across the south of Scotland.

College lecturers should have received a pay uplift at the beginning of September 2022 but following over a year of protracted negotiations, College Employers Scotland have stated that all they can provide is a ‘full and final’ pay offer of £5,000 over three years, this amidst the worst cost of living crisis in generations.

For many EIS FELA members, the amount of money tabled in the second and third years of this offer sit below the levels of cost of living pay awards set by current public sector pay policy.

Members at Dumfries and Galloway College and Borders will be striking today (April 17) while those at Borders College will also be taking action on April 22 and Dumfries and Galloway College union members will also be striking on April 26.

Colin Smyth said: “The current cost of living crisis, following on the back of the terrible years of pandemic, have left many people struggling to make ends meet.

“No-one wants to go on strike but unless the Government provide colleges with the funding to make meaningful pay deals, people have no choice.

“College lecturers have been waiting a long time for resolution to this dispute over pay and conditions – it’s just not acceptable.

“I have stood on many picket lines in solidarity with workers these past few years and I will continue to fully support those who feel they must go on strike.

“I would urge the Scottish Government to properly fund a deal and start paying staff a decent wage as that is the only action which will prevent more disruption.”