EIS lodges dispute with City of Glasgow College over management style and institutional culture

Scotland’s largest teaching union has lodged a dispute against the City of Glasgow College over its “management style and institutional culture”.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) says management and organisational culture is having a detrimental effect on the health, well-being and morale of lecturing staff.

The union has accused management of creating a negative working environment for staff, which has “significant” implications for students’ learning experience.

EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said: “Our members within the branch at CoGC, and the EIS as an education trade union, have significant concerns that the management and organisational culture at the college are having a detrimental impact on staff, with worrying consequences for their health and wellbeing.

“This is not conducive to a good working environment for staff, and has significant implications for the learning experience of students.”

Ms Bradley added: “We have had significant problems and concerns with the City of Glasgow College over several years – leading to several disputes and previous industrial action as well as our current industrial action to protect welding lecturers’ health & safety.

“Things have come to a head at the College that lead us to believe that the College’s management style is adversely affecting lecturing staff and attacking the EIS Branch, which represents staff at the College.

“Furthermore, the EIS believes that the College, as a public body, does not fully implement Fair Work, as expected by the Scottish Government, as many staff do not feel that they are treated fairly, with dignity and trust.”

The union said it also remains in dispute with the college over health and safety provisions for lecturers and students undertaking welding at the college’s Riverside campus, with strike action by welding lecturers currently ongoing.

A spokesperson for the City of Glasgow College said it was “disappointed” in the EIS decision to lodge a dispute rather than continue the “constructive dialogue” that has been taking place with national officials.

They added: “Today’s announcement underlines that this is no longer about unresolved health and safety concerns. Earlier this year, following a thorough investigation, the Health and Safety Executive confirmed that the College is fully compliant and formally closed its investigation.

“Since then, the College has continued to go beyond regulatory requirements while engaging extensively with both local and national EIS representatives in an effort to reach a resolution.

“City of Glasgow College is committed to the principles of Fair Work and to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive working environment for all colleagues. We recognise that positive industrial relations depend on mutual respect and constructive dialogue, which is why we remain willing to engage through discussion and mediation.

“As a public body, we are equally committed to ensuring that all matters are considered fairly, impartially and in accordance with established due process, without fear or favour.

“While this dispute involves a very small number of staff, the overwhelming majority of colleagues continue to deliver an excellent experience for our learners every day.

“That is reflected in our 93% student satisfaction rating and the fact that 97% of our students progress to positive destinations. Our focus remains firmly on supporting our staff, protecting students’ learning and delivering the high-quality education that our learners deserve.”