COLLEGE lecturers in Greenock have stepped up industrial action after staging a second strike.

The EIS-FELA members walked out at West College Scotland over concerns that bosses could replace lecturers with 'instructor assessors'.

After a one day stoppage last week, union members were back on the picket lines at the Finnart Street campus yesterday and will remain there today, with further strike days planned.

Mark Gillan, EIS-FELA branch secretary, said: "A small number attended a controlled picket line at Greenock Finnart Street campus, taking into consideration Covid-19 restrictions and caring for others.

"It is strike action following months of negotiations and attempts to resolve a dispute relating to quality of education within our colleges across Scotland.

"One of our slogans has been 'colleges need lecturers', and our members voted overwhelmingly for strike action to ensure the high standard of teaching and learning within further education is not eroded."

Mr Gillan said that a deal had been struck with Colleges Scotland to avert a walkout, only for the deal to collapse.

The dispute emerged when an east coast college decided to use instructor assessors, sparking concerns about terms and conditions at Greenock and elsewhere.

Mr Gillan added: "Lecturers would rather be working for our students instead of commencing a period of industrial action, but feel we must ensure colleges continue to provide quality education.

"Teaching duties should always be conducted by suitably qualified lecturers.

"Our members do not take strike action lightly, especially during a pandemic.

West College Scotland has described the situation as a 'national dispute affecting all colleges in Scotland'.

A spokesperson said: "The issue that initiated this dispute is not applicable to this college.

"We are disappointed that strike action is taking place as national discussions are continuing to resolve the dispute.

"Our focus will be to try and minimise the disruption to our students at this very difficult time and continue to support them to achieve their qualifications and progress their learning."