COLLEGE lecturers have urged Scottish Government ministers to intervene to resolve an ongoing strike over pay.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) made the call after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told trade unions and college management to “go the extra mile” to find a solution.
The row centres on a commitment by the Scottish Government to introduce pay harmonisation across the country which unions say should already be in place.
The pay increases were agreed a year ago, but college management argue a separate deal needs to be struck on holidays and working hours before the roll-out of new salary structures.
Speaking in parliament Ms Sturgeon said: “Talks are continuing and I would encourage both sides - including and perhaps especially the employers given their position - to go the extra mile to reach an agreement.”
However, Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the EIS, welcomed the call, but urged greater involvement from government.
He said: “Given the Scottish Government’s stated commitment to national bargaining it is imperative on the First Minister and her Cabinet colleagues to ensure the deal agreed last March is honoured by management.
“We need to see national bargaining delivered in practice, not just on paper and the Scottish Government must play its part in ensuring the deal is honoured.”
Lecturers have so far taken four days of strike action.
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