Industrial Action

Please see below the latest updates from Forth Valley College on sector wide industrial action.  

News release issued on 5 September 2023

All of Forth Valley College’s three campuses – Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa - will remain open for self-directed study, despite a day of national strike action organised by EIS-FELA, UNISON and Unite trade unions on Thursday 7 September, due to an ongoing dispute regarding pay, terms and conditions.

A further day of strike action for Forth Valley College is then expected to take place on Wednesday 13 September as part of a rolling programme of localised action. 

The College has taken the decision to cancel the following on the first day of action (Thursday 7 September):

  • Full-time classes (Unless students have been advised otherwise by their Curriculum Manager or Lecturer)
  • Evening classes
  • School partnership provision
  • Apprenticeship programmes (Unless Apprentices have been contacted directly by their department)
  • The Gallery Restaurant will be closed on both strike days

The following will go ahead as planned:

  • Commercial training courses
  • The exam programme

The College says that the Learning Resource Centres, refectories, gyms, and salons are also currently expected to remain open on Thursday 7 September. However, they say updates will be provided if there are any changes to services available on the day.

Sarah Higgins-Rollo, FVC’s Vice Principal, Learning & Student Experience, said: “Our aim is to minimise the impact on learning and teaching, wherever possible, and continue to deliver the best possible learning experiences for our students whilst a resolution is found for this national dispute.  College Employers Scotland continue to meet with all unions in the hope they can reach agreement and avoid further industrial action. 
 
“Our key priority is to ensure our students have every opportunity to complete their qualifications and move forward onto their next steps. It also has to be noted that no student will be disadvantaged in regards to their bursary, childcare or EMA funding as a consequence of the industrial action.” 

In addition to strike action, EIS-FELA are currently also undertaking Action Short of Strike (ASOS). This means those participating:  

  • May not undertake any goodwill activities above and beyond existing duties, such as overtime 
  • May not share exam or assessment results with the College or any other organisation 

Sarah, added: “We are continuing to put steps in place to address this action and minimise the impact on students.  We took the decision earlier in the summer to progress all students who were continuing their students at FVC this session who were impacted by the resulting boycott.   

“Furthermore, we have also been working tirelessly with our university partners to minimise the impact of ASOS on our students progressing to university.  We are delighted that many of our students now have confirmed places and for those still waiting on confirmation of their place, rest assured, we are still working on your behalf to help you secure your place. 

“We are also working directly with our employer partners to ensure that our apprentices are not disadvantaged by the resulting boycott. 

“Lastly, for all students waiting on their certificate, once results are entered, you will receive your official certificate directly from the SQA or other awarding body.  We hope that a resolution is reached soon.”