FORTH VALLEY COLLEGE has expressed their disappointment after Unison announced a day of strikes for this week.

Essential college staff will walk out on Thursday, February 29, downing tools for one day of industrial action.

This is in relation to a pay dispute that allegedly goes back around 18 months, with staff still waiting on a pay rise that was set to come in September 2022.

In response, Unison have reported that more than 2000 support staff, which includes librarians, IT specialists, administrators, cleaners, canteen workers and estate management staff, will go on strike on Thursday.

A spokesperson for Forth Valley College said: “We are disappointed that both Unison and EIS FELA have decided to take strike action on Thursday, February 29.

“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 while a resolution is found for this national dispute.

“We understand how challenging this situation is and we are doing everything we can to support our students.

“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.”

Forth Valley College will join a large number of colleges across Scotland in striking, but have issued guidelines on what that means for students.

While essential staff will not be on campus, the college has confirmed that the three campuses – Alloa, Stirling and Falkirk – will remain open, with facilities available for students to continue their studies in.

The spokesperson continued: “All campuses will remain open, but we have taken the decision that all full-time, evening, apprenticeship programmes and school partnership provision will be cancelled on Thursday, February 29, 2024, unless alternative arrangements are put in place by individual departments.

“Any interviews linked to 2024/25 recruitment will either go ahead as planned or will be rescheduled. A member of our student admissions team will contact applicants directly.

“The exam programme and commercial training courses will go ahead as planned.”