Since the start of the current dispute between the EIS and the Principalship at Edinburgh’s Telford College the literature released to students, the press and the public has contained the following statement.
“The use of agency lecturers does not threaten the jobs of existing permanent staff; in fact quite the opposite. The College has a ‘no redundancy’ policy which protects the jobs of staff.”
Although the Branch Committee acknowledges that this is a statement of fact we would like to point out that this policy will end in 2008 which less than 3 months from now.
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Can the branch comment on the days events at Telford College. I was at a meeting at lunch time at which it was acknowledged that the management had shifted its position considerably. Yet due its refusal to withdraw completely from its deal with Protocol National and a near complete lack of trust in verbal assurances from a management with abismal track record of remaining true its word this weeks strike action would go ahead. However I now find an email in my inbox from the HR dept telling me the stike is "unlawful" and I should go to work as normal. What the hell is going on?
I also recieved this email however if you read it carefully it says
"In our view there is no longer any grounds for this dispute"
and
"It is the view of our legal advisors "
Until the EIS lawyers have looked at this and confirmed the legal position whether or not the strike is unlawful is a matter of opinion.
We cannot be held to ransom or bullied in this manner.
I am absolutely disgusted and sickened by the tactics employed by the management at telford. Can they sink any lower. They allowed the lunchtime meeting to go ahead in the full knowledge that if the members decision was to persue strike action they would send a pre-prepared fax to the EIS Headquarters claiming the strike was "unlawful". Followed by a threatening email to all lecturing staff. If this was "view" of the management why did they not express this during discussions with the EIS reps on friday or this morning so the implications could be discussed at the meeting. Their despicable tactics will only succeeded in galvanising the opinion that they are bullies and cannot be trusted under any circumstances.
Once again management are jumping to unilateral conclusions and decisions. Just because they say the all issues have been resolved does not make it so.
There is a process which they have to follow, but clearly have not.
The reference to being “unlawful” only relates to one issue under dispute. They have never received any official response to indicate that all others matters are now completely uncontested.
They must allow EIS HQ to fully assess their proposals and be given an opportunity to request further clarification where needed. Until EIS HQ advise the branch members and the management that ALL issues have now been satisfactorily clarified and addressed, they cannot unilaterally tell the branch they don't have a dispute anymore.
It is absurd to think that this could possibly be the case. They are clearly delusional.
Who do Telford Management think they're trying to kid? The disputes not settled just cos they say it is. We need full details of their offer and cast iron assurances, before we decide whether to stop, suspend, or carry on.
The management have shown time and time again that they are not to be trusted, and the latest email threat is a typical move on their part - bully the staff into toeing the line.
Until the EIS get firm written guaranteed assurances that PN will be shown the exit door at Telford, rather than the back door that management are still holding open for them, then the action should continue.
This is for the benefit of ALL tutors, permanent, temporary, part-time and full-time, and not just for the short term.
I fail to see how a programme of strike action, carried out in accordance with the law following a formal ballot of members on a range of issues, can be "unlawful". The college management have clearly lost it - they are grasping at legal straws. Do they not think that the EIS have lawyers (and good ones) too?
Having recieved the e-mail too, I was somewhat taken aback at its tone and content. To be honest at first I was concerned ie disciplinary etc but very quickly re read it and saw it for what it is.......a poor attempt to un nerve the EIS members on their course of action.
If no formal agreement has been made, accepted and apropriately recorded by both sides, surely then we are still in disscussion, on strike and not in anyones true opinion in breach of the law.
It beggars belief that this Management go into negotiate, move considerabley, then on the same day intimidate it staff by telling them that in their opinion we are now illegally striking, whilst the Principal and CEO is on leave.
Not realy the best approach to move considerably then accusse your staff of breaking the law.....well done guys!!
WHATS THE BOARDS COMMENT ON THE PRINCIPALS HOLIDAY........?
Really, are any of suprised at this tactic used by management.For as long as I care to remember the
use of scare tactics and threats has been their style
of manipulating the staff.Just a shame it has taken us so long to do something about it.
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