Date: Thu 23 May 2013

City college praised for successful merger faces possible strike ballot - UNISON

UNISON today called for talks at the City of Glasgow College after managers threatened to impose a pay settlement that has been rejected by support staff.

Only last week Scottish Education Secretary Mike Russell praised the college over its supposedly successful merger, with colleges around Scotland lined up for similar mergers.

And College Principal Paul Little wrote to all members of staff thanking them for their “superb team effort” in making the pathfinder merger a success.

But around 300 - mainly women - support staff have rejected a pay offer from last August that would give nothing at all to those earning above £21,000.

Those on under £21,000 would receive just a £250 flat rate rise per spinal column point on the pay scale.

Martin Clark, UNISON steward at City of Glasgow College, said: “If the college merger is such a success, why are our members not being offered a proper pay award? Instead the college is talking about imposing this.

“We want to get back round the table and talk with them, or we will have no option but to move towards a ballot for industrial action.”

Scott Donohoe, assistant branch secretary at Glasgow City UNISON, added: “We think there should be more money on the table. Staff have worked really hard. The Principal said he is working to bring all staff along together in an inclusive and people-centred way.

“If so, and if the merger is such a success, his workforce should be celebrating, not balloting. This can be sorted out by giving our members a fair pay rise.”

ENDS

For information please contact:
Martin Clark, Steward, City of Glasgow College UNISON, 07730 182216
Scott Donohoe, Assistant Branch Secretary, Glasgow City UNISON, 07866 952 765
Mandy McDowall, Regional Organiser, UNISON Scotland 07903 846 427
Fiona Montgomery, Communications Officer, UNISON Scotland, 0141 342 2877 or 07508 877 000

Notes for editors

1. UNISON is Scotland’s largest trade union representing 160,000 members working to deliver vital public services.

2. The City of Glasgow College was created in September 2010 through the merger of Central College, Glasgow Metropolitan College and Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.

3. UNISON members rejected the pay offer in a consultative ballot this month. If the College imposes the offer, UNISON will be moving to a ballot for industrial action.

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