'Worst' pay offer and holiday cut sparks college strike ballot

Support staff at James Watt College of Further and Higher Education in Greenock are to ballot for strike action following the breakdown of pay talks.

The college made a final offer of 1.4% after a claim for £500 or 2.5%. To rub salt into the wound most of the money would not be consolidated into salaries, staff would lose three days leave and have to accept new conditions.

Robin Taggart, UNISON Inverclyde Service Conditions Officer said, "It is extremely disappointing that the college have closed the door on further talks towards a fairer settlement for this year.

"Without doubt this must be the worst pay offer I have ever experienced and to cut their annual leave entitlement as well, compounds the insult."

Those affected are technical and administrative staff, cleaners, wardens and catering staff. UNISON is highly critical of the College's pay policy which means 20 senior managers draw salaries totalling over £1m compared to £5m for 340 support staff.

Neil Coyle, Senior steward at the college said, "People feel angry and insulted. Every year we are reminded of how critical we are to the college and students and then we get presented with a pay offer that most of us thought was a joke.

"There is a strong desire amongst our members to fight this all of the way."

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