College dispute reaches Parliament
Russell Steele • Published 30 Jan 2012 11:00
3 Comments
THE crisis at James Watt College has reached the Scottish Parliament - after a local MSP spoke out about the situation.
Lecturing staff have staged a number of walkouts in recent weeks amid an increasingly bitter dispute with management - and students have hit out at being caught in the crossfire, fearing their education is at risk.
The row was triggered after bosses unveiled proposals for 28 senior lecturers to have their contracts terminated and apply for 15 new 'learning enhancement leader' posts.
Union leaders say senior management are 'refusing to recognise their obligation to honour signed agreements, including one on no compulsory redundancies'.
But the college says it has no option but to make savings in the face of
£5.7 million budget cuts, and that the trade union is arguing for a 'lifetime salary conservation for affected employees' which cannot be delivered.
Now the SNP's Stuart McMillan has intervened in the row, by writing to college principal Sue Pinder and asking for talks.
Mr McMillan said: "I have received correspondence from lecturers, parents and students who have raised their concerns in relation to a perceived breakdown in communications between management and staff.
"The students, some of whom I will be meeting, are anxious to get their classes up and running again.
"Plainly, there are strong concerns amongst lecturers, parents and students at the college about current relations with management and a strong desire for the situation to be resolved as quickly as possible and for classes to commence."
Negotiations between the union, management and ACAS took place on Thursday but more strikes are planned in the weeks ahead.
MSP Mr McMillan said: "I have written to the principal to ask what actions are being taken to resolve any perceived difficulties and to ask for a meeting to discuss these matters."
In a statement, college chiefs said that they were doing what they could to keep impact on learners to a minimum.
They added that they were 'fully committed to reaching a swift and satisfactory resolution' to the dispute.
A spokeswoman said: "Missed classes are being rescheduled and learning plans are in place to ensure all students are able to complete their course within the usual timeframe.
"Students who normally receive bursary and travel expenses are continuing to do so and a text messaging service is in operation to keep learners informed should there be any impact on their classes.
"In the instance that a class is cancelled because the lecturer is on strike and no other member of staff can provide cover, arrangements are in place for students to carry out directed study."
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 30 Jan 12
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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Flipper21
34 posts
Jan 30, 11:25
Report commentSACK PINDER & the BOARD OF GOVERNORS...... simple.. they are taking JWC for a ride at their expense.
Recommend?
Yes 40
No 30
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Stufer
16 posts
Jan 30, 20:26
Report commentGet rid of the pointless layers upon layers of management that exist in James Watt college, there's at least £4 million pounds savings per year!
Recommend? Yes 13
No 1
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Flipper21
34 posts
Jan 30, 22:31
Report commentFor a paper that reputedly supports its community, I am indeed surprised that it has NOT asked more searching and indepth questions about the regime that exists within JWC.
As far as I am concerned, at this moment in time, the Greenock Telegraph condones the actions of management and supports the cartel that exists within JWC management structure. If there is a buffet to be offered Im sure the GT will attend and report favourably.
James Watt College has been sold OUT to the best offer (not the highest). When is Pinder leaving? and who has paid her hotel bills?
GT ask some searching questions to ask or just remain the local scandal (reputation) rag you seem to have at this time.
Upper management salaries would make the prime ministers eyes water and thats a fact.
In real terms, this debacle is a disgrace. Shame on you GT and shame on the local politicians and councillors who ate their way through many a free meal at JWC expense.
Oh, BTW, I challenge any of our local dignitaries to a debate, I also challenge Pinder to a debate on the best way forward...... any takers?
Recommend? Yes 16
No 0
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