Motion passed 20th - 24th April 2020 (Student Council)

 

FVSA Notes:

1. Through our membership in NUS (National Union of Students), the student movement has worked with trade unions for over half a century to support students. NUS and UNISON (a union representing workers in local government, education and the NHS amongst other areas) launched a joint campaign for The Living Wage in 2013. Together they organised a campaign that won the living wage and better wages on campus in many places across the UK.
2. In the Scottish College Sector, massive cuts are being made to make the best use of financial resources. These cuts have seen new changes being proposed in a few different colleges, including Forth Valley College. The college will look to introduce new roles but offer less pay for lecturing staff.
3. The changes proposed to adjust lecturing roles is only the first phase and support roles, such as advisors and development workers will be reviewed in the second phase.

 

FVSA Believes:

1. Past events such as industrial action by staff has shown that students are directly impacted as class times are cut and they feel overwhelmed with uncertainty on how assessments will take place and whether the content they have learned before the disruption is enough.
2. It is important to work with all partners, both college management and trade unions whenever possible to inform students of an accurate and unbiased picture of the situation between the two disputing parties. This will allow student officers to collect the necessary knowledge to make a judgement that will always be in the benefit of students, rather than always relying on a neutral stance.
3. Communication channels must remain open and clear with all partners to ensure the student voice is heard during negotiations so they are not left at a disadvantage if there is a prolonged period of disagreement.
4. Working with the unions can help improve the conditions of study and work for students and staff. Staff’s working conditions are students’ learning conditions.

 

FVSA Resolves:

1. To continue building on the relationship with staff trade unions – EIS FELA and Unison, by meeting with Union Representatives regularly through the academic session.
2. During periods of dispute, meet with all relevant parties to collate and distribute information to students about the impact of any industrial action or strike and gather student opinion to decide on a stance which will hold the students' best interests at heart.