College strikes suspended as union confirm 'positive talks'

Lecturers at City of Glasgow College have agreed to suspend strikes amid a long running dispute over course provision and job security.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said its members have reached an agreement “in principle” to resolve the current industrial dispute.

EIS-FELA (EIS Further Education Lecturers’ Association) has been in dispute with the college since February this year, after it announced increased workloads for lecturers, reduced face to face contact time for students, cuts to the numbers of learning support lecturers, and two rounds of redundancy – one of which is compulsory.

It came after the college announced plans in May to cut up to 100 jobs in a bid to tackle a £6m deficit.

Talks continue to finalise an agreement ahead of a ballot to EIS members.

A joint statement released by City of Glasgow College and EIS read: “Following positive discussions, City of Glasgow College and EIS-FELA have reached an agreement in principle on a way forward to resolve the current industrial dispute.

“Accordingly, the EIS-FELA have agreed to suspend strikes while talks continue to finalise an agreement.

“The final proposal will be subject to a ballot of EIS-FELA members.”

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