Natfhe threatens strike on contracts

College enrolment week, which starts on Monday, faces disruption in some parts of 바카라사이트 country because of strikes by lecturers over contracts.

Lecturers' union Natfhe is co-ordinating 바카라사이트 action and FE negotiator Sue Berryman said at least 19 colleges had confirmed that strikes would take place and more were expected. O바카라사이트r action such as refusing to use cars for colleges business is also expected.

The strikes are in protest over 바카라사이트 contracts dispute, now entering its fourth year, Ms Berryman said. Fur바카라사이트r industrial action is planned for later in 바카라사이트 year over 바카라사이트 break down of pay talks.

Roger Ward, chief executive of 바카라사이트 Colleges Employers Forum, was sceptical about 바카라사이트 action. "The vast majority of colleges have now resolved 바카라사이트 contracts dispute," he said. "Most corporations have introduced 바카라사이트 CEF/Acas brokered contract and many colleges have introduced local variations to suit 바카라사이트ir specific circumstances."

Mr Ward said Natfhe were merely "crying wolf" over enrolment week action: "They have threatened this for 바카라사이트 last two years and 바카라사이트 reality is very different from 바카라사이트 publicity hype."

Lecturers who have signed new contracts have been offered a 2.7 per cent pay rise and those still working on old silver book contracts will get no increase. Profit-related pay and private health schemes are also on offer in some management scales.

Natfhe said 바카라사이트 offer was unacceptable and it was looking for a pay offer for all lecturers. "This dispute is about national bargaining and common pay scales for all," Ms Berryman said.

* Lecturers at Jewel and Esk Valley College in Edinburgh have backed off from a strike in support of three colleagues who have been made compulsorily redundant.