'Historic' pay deal on offer for college lecturers as long-term tensions thaw
Proposed college pay deals are a significant step as relations between employers and the unions have been tense over the past decade
College lecturers could receive a “historic” pay rise negotiated after a thaw in relations between employers and unions.
Proposals for a lecturer pay rise of more than 10 per cent over three years have been settled– the first time such a deal has been reached so early in national negotiations.
The offer also includes a pledge to ask the Scottish government for more cash for those living in island communities.
It comes after the head of Scotland’s colleges told The Scotsman student experience was being marred by the “aggression and disrespect” of unions.
Callum Chomczuk, Director of College Employers Scotland (CES), said in February he had hopes of better relationships between employers and staff following years of deadlocks.
Now a consultative ballot had opened with union members recommended to accept the officer.
Mr Chomczuk called the agreement a “historic first”.
“Agreement on multi-year pay proposals for our lecturers at such an early point – well ahead of the 2026/27 academic session – marks a historic first for Scotland’s colleges since the introduction of national collective bargaining over a decade ago,” he said.
“It is also evidence of the constructive approach taken by employers and the EIS-FELA, and a clear sign of a step change in industrial relations at a national level following the challenges of recent years.”
If accepted, the proposals would see salaries for unpromoted lecturers at the start of the national pay scale rise to £43,402 from September.
Salaries for those at the top of the scale would increase to £52,247.
CES, Colleges Scotland and trade unions will combine to ask for government funding for a Distant Islands Allowance that would reflect higher living costs in island communities.
READ MORE: Inside the Glasgow school setting the bar for ensuring every child learns to read - and love reading
Anne-Marie Harley, EIS-FELA President and National Representative in negotiations, added: “We were pleased to see a fresh approach to these pay negotiations.
“In the context of increased funding from the Scottish government for the college sector, it was heartening to receive a serious starting-offer from the employers and quick progress on negotiations.”
Ms Harley added that it is “imperative” college staff living in island communities are paid for the “unnecessarily disproportionate” impact.
She said: “Which is why we have also agreed a joint approach to the Scottish government on the funding arrangements for distant islands allowance.
“We believe we have struck a reasonable and sustainable agreement with the employer for this pay deal.”
Meanwhile, Dumfries and Galloway College has been awarded the highest possible rating by a leading review body.
The College, which has campuses in Dumfries and Stranraer, was awarded top marks by The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review.
It comes after Dumfries and Galloway College became the only college in Scotland to remain above sector performance for all modes of study over the last three years.
READ MORE:Scots universities in stark warning to Home Office over 'serious weaknesses' in student visa scheme
Douglas Dickson, Principal and CEO of Dumfries and Galloway College, said: “For Dumfries and Galloway College to be identified by two key reports in Scottish education reflects the professionalism and commitment of our staff, who work to provide high quality learning and teaching every day.”
The College, which this year marks 65 years, also outperformed the national average in terms of the proportion of students successfully completing their qualification.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.