Trade unions and college employers continue to try to resolve the national dispute over pay. In the meantime, to give you as much notice as possible of potential disruption, the College can confirm the following:
Some EIS-FELA Lecturers are going on strike on:
Monday 20th May
Thursday 23rd May
Tuesday 28th May
Thursday 30th May
Friday 31st May
Monday 3rd June
Tuesday 4th June
Wednesday 5th June
Friday 7th June
Some UNISON Support Staff are going on strike on:
Monday 20th May
Thursday 23rd May
This is as part of an on-going Scotland-wide dispute about pay, terms and conditions. National talks are continuing, and things might change. So keep checking this page for updates!
The College’s Paisley, Clydebank and Greenock Finnart Street campuses will open on all the strike dates. Greenock Waterfront will be closed but teaching staff will advise affected students regarding alternative arrangements.
There is likely to be some disruption to services across campuses including catering, cleaning and Student Support provision on the 20th and 23rd May.
The College will do everything we can to minimise the impact of any strike days on your studies. We know that many of you will be worried about assessments, exams and classes being postponed if this strike continues. We have anticipated some of your possible questions in the responses shown below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When are lecturers going on strike?
Some lecturers will go on strike on:
• Monday 20th May
• Thursday 23rd May
• Tuesday 28th May
• Thursday 30th May
• Friday 31st May
• Monday 3rd June
• Tuesday 4th June
• Wednesday 5th June
• Friday 7th June
Q. Are my lessons cancelled on those dates?
A small number of classes are likely to run.
You will be contacted by staff to let you know if your class is running.
If you are not contacted, your class will not run.
Q. Do I still need to come to College if my class is cancelled?
No. If your class is not running, you don’t need to come in and you will be registered as having “authorised absence” for that day.
The College will be open and even though your classes are not running, you will be able to use the libraries for independent study if you wish. You can also use the social areas and catering facilities (although these may be affected on the 13th, 20th, and 23rd May). The EIS and UNISON unions will have pickets at each campus on the relevant days.
Q. Could this cost me financially?
No. Because you will be registered as having “authorised absence,” you will not lose any bursary or EMA money, nor will you lose out on childcare or transport costs.
Q. So what buildings will I be able to get access to?
The following campuses will be open:
• Clydebank – Queens’ Quay
• Paisley – Renfrew Road
• Greenock – Finnart Street
Q. And what’s closed?
The Greenock Waterfront campus will not open on those dates. If you study at the Waterfront and want to come in on strike day, you can use the facilities available at Finnart Street. Teaching staff will advise affected students regarding alternative arrangements.
Q. What happens if an assessment falls on strike day?
Don’t worry, the assessment will be rescheduled. Your lecturer will let you know when this will be.
Q. I will be sitting a national exam or graded unit on a strike day, will this be affected.
Exams will go ahead as scheduled. Staff on strike may be outside the building on the day of your exam but will not stop you coming into the building and will be equally concerned to ensure that your exam or entry to college is not affected in any way. Please note that should you not wish to cross a picket line to attend your exam, you will not be eligible for SQA Exam Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service.
Q. I need certain grades to get to University or move to the next level of study. I’m worried that the strike means I won’t achieve my grades. Should I be?
Remember, this is a national strike and there will have to be a national approach to this issue. As the strike extends into June, the universities and exam awarding bodies will be involved in considering the impact of it in terms of entry requirements and grades.
The College will keep you up to date with arrangements for any future strike days via the MyWest Student App. Please also check the College Facebook page and the Students’ Association Facebook.