COLLEGE FUNDING: GREENS SUPPORT STAFF ACTION
The Scottish Greens have today (11 December) offered their support to the demonstration organised by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) outside the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC).
Isla O'Reilly, MSP candidate for Highlands & Islands and Scottish Green Party spokesperson on Education and Young people, called for better funding for Scotland's colleges, and highlighted the need to put the interests of students and staff at the heart of college governance.
Isla O'Reilly said:
"Today's demonstration is a clear signal of the huge pressures on Scotland's colleges. Our colleges and their dedicated staff play a vital role in educating our young people and retraining people for the changing job market.
"Our colleges have gone through enormous turmoil and financial struggles over the past few years. There is no excuse for tightening the belt on staff and students while awarding management with astronomical pay packets.
"It should be obvious by now that the crisis colleges are in won't simply pass with time. Our colleges clearly need to be funded better - we need to put a stop to cuts and place the interests of staff and students to the fore. I urge the Scottish Government to work with staff, students and the SFC to make sure the future of our colleges is secured."