Commenting on the latest developments in pay talks with the EIS-FELA, Gavin Donoghue, Director of College Employers Scotland (CES), said:

“The EIS-FELA recently tabled a revised pay claim for a four-year deal, up to and including the academic year 2025/26.

“Employers have acknowledged movement from the EIS-FELA as positive, and have carefully considered the trade union’s proposals since they were first presented last Thursday.

“Employers have sought to hold constructive discussions on the EIS-FELA’s proposed four-year deal, but remain concerned that any discussions on academic year 2025/26 may further delay a pay award that lecturers should have received in September 2022.

“Given the employers’ willingness to discuss the EIS-FELA’s new claim, colleges have asked the EIS-FELA to suspend all industrial action while talks over a four-year pay deal continue.”