Ayr College lecturers' wage war continues

Mar 27 2009 by Stuart Wilson

STRIKING lecturers are pledging to go the distance in their wage war with Ayr College.

Students face misery with 35 days of industrial action scheduled before the end of term.

But there seems no end in sight to the dispute, which is set to cause chaos during crucial exams.

Lecturers are locked in a bitter pay battle with principal Diane Rawlinson – and neither side is backing down.

Staff insist they’ll stand on the picket line for as long as it takes, with strikes set to last until June.

One lecturer said: “This is the first strike Ayr College has had, so something has to be seriously wrong when it gets to this stage.

“We’re constantly being told how well the college is performing and how great we are as lecturers – but we don’t see the rewards.

“Other colleges which aren’t doing as well as us are paying their staff more, so how does that add up?

“It says a lot that the EIS are giving this strike their full backing and it reflects how bad the situation has become.”

Another lecturer added: “Diane Rawlinson has turned this into a battle of wills and is taking it as a personal attack.

“It’s like she’s modelling herself on Margaret Thatcher and by refusing to negotiate, she’s showing a complete lack of professionalism.”

Ayr is the only one of Scotland’s 43 colleges which has still to settle on staff pay. And lecturers insist that’s no coincidence with Mrs Rawlinson involved.

One lecturer revealed: “This should have been settled back in August but she’s dragged her heels and even rejected ACAS when they offered to solve the dispute.

“We’re very aware of the economic climate and the jobs situation, but the fact it’s got to this stage tells you everything.

“We are a committed and dedicated staff who haven’t taken this decision lightly but it’s been forced upon us.”

Evelyn Kelly, of the union EIS, revealed: “The pay increase we have been offered by management is 3.7 per cent, which is below the sector average.

“Had it been a straight 4.2 per cent with no strings attached it would have been seriously considered by the branch members.

“The union and staff of the branch are open to negotiation. We have not closed the door. However, management are unwilling to meet to try and resolve the dispute.

“This is an action of last resort by the union members of Ayr College who have the interests of their students at heart, but the resolution of this dispute rests with management.”

However, the principal believes her lecturers need a reality check if both parties are to end the spiralling dispute.

Mrs Rawlinson insisted: “I don’t think they’re being realistic or logical.

“The working conditions at this college are standard and in line with those across Scotland.

“I have negotiated on their terms of pay as far as I possibly can and they know that.

“We have assured students that buildings will remain open during the strike and staff are on call and ready to help.

“Disruption is being minimised and exams will go ahead as normal.”