Strike threat as Ayr College lecturers reject pay offer

Mar 6 2009

LECTURERS are set to stage a mass walk-out as a pay dispute turns ugly at Ayr College.

Union members voted 72 per cent in favour of strike action after rejecting their offer of a wage rise.

It’s believed staff have been unhappy for some time over their pay scale despite the good financial performance of the college.

Now their fight could lead to industrial action after a stand-off developed with principal Dianne Rawlinson.

She insisted: “My offer of 4.2 per cent is something I cannot budge on.

“It would be irresponsible of me to ignore the current economic climate and I have to take into account the college’s financial position.

“Unfortunately I think the staff have been misled by their union, who are misinterpreting the economy.”

A spokesman for the union, EIS, said: “Industrial action is always a last resort but, given the strength of feeling amongst lecturing staff, this option will be used if necessary.”