WEST College Scotland students in Greenock missed all of their classes yesterday because of a strike by support staff over pay.

Around 2,300 Unison members across 20 further education colleges downed tools after failure to reach agreement with employers.

Unison said that, as a result, courses stopped, classes were cancelled, workplace nurseries closed and school pupils were denied vocational training while students with learning needs were turned away from colleges.

The union’s members are annoyed that lecturers got a £450 rise, while most support staff have been offered £230.

Support staff work in administration, admissions, funding, catering, cleaning, security and other areas.

John Gallacher, Unison’s Scottish organiser, said: “It is tragic that the further education employers failed to resolve this dispute before it happened.

“The difference between what the employers had offered and what would have solved the dispute was a bridgeable gap.

“Instead of crossing the bridge to settlement talks, the further education employers’ association has chosen conflict – with difficult consequences for the sector and its students.”

A spokesman for West College Scotland said it was disappointed Unison called the strike.

The Waterfront campus was closed, but Finnart Street remained open to employees who chose to go in.

A number of staff were there.

A spokesman said: “The college remains disappointed that Unison chose to call this national strike as part of a pay dispute.

“The national offer made to support staff is in line with that made to teaching staff, and is in accordance with public sector pay policy.

“The strike caused disruption to students at a time when many are looking forward to starting new courses or taking their studies to the next level. 

“While negotiations are a national matter, West College Scotland will continue to work with trade unions locally in seeking to maintain positive industrial relations and minimise any impact on students.”