College lecturers in Scotland initiated a national strike on February 29, 2024, amidst a dispute over pay that has resulted in no increase since August 2021. The strike, organized by the Educational Institute of Scotland – Further Education Lecturers’ Association (EIS-Fela), saw lecturers picketing outside colleges and rallying at the Scottish Parliament. The main contention is the perceived inadequacy of the pay offer made by College Employers Scotland (CES), which proposed a £5,000 increase spread over three academic years. Lecturers argue that this offer does not keep pace with inflation rates and public sector pay policy.

EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley criticized certain college principals for threatening to deduct pay from striking staff, calling such actions incompatible with fair work principles. CES regrets the strike’s impact on student education and maintains that their offer is substantial, aiming to make Scottish college lecturers the highest-paid in the UK. The Scottish Government, represented by Further Education Minister Graeme Dey, has called for both parties to resume negotiations but noted the government’s inability to intervene financially.

Unions, including EIS-Fela and Unison, have rejected the offered pay rise, demanding a better deal, while Unite and GMB members have accepted it. CES, facing financial constraints and anticipated reductions in government funding, insists that the offer is the best possible under the circumstances and urges unions to consider the proposal to minimize educational disruption.

The ongoing strike reflects wider issues of funding and fair pay in the Scottish education sector, with both sides being urged to find a resolution to prevent further impact on students’ learning experiences.