LECTURERS at two newly-merged Scottish colleges have passed votes of no confidence in their management.
A unanimous vote at Glasgow Kelvin College followed a full union meeting, while a vote at Glasgow Clyde College involved a smaller group of staff at its Anniesland campus, in the west end.
The moves by members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) follow a troubled start to the new academic year with problems of enrolment spilling over into the first weeks of teaching.
Last month, students from Glasgow Kelvin, in the north-east of the city, were unable to enrol for courses, while others had to be sent home because no lecturers arrived to teach them.
Many students took to social networking sites such as Twitter to complain, with one stating: "What a waste of time. Glasgow Kelvin College is a circus. Has been ever since the merger."
Courses have also been hit at Glasgow Clyde, which has campuses in the west of the city. One student, from a health and social care course, said: "This is my third week of study, and we have only done one day's worth of learning. We have been sent home at least four times because there are no lecturers available and no classrooms."
A spokeswoman for Glasgow Kelvin said: "We understand some staff are concerned during this period of unprecedented change, but we do not believe this vote reflects the views of the majority of staff. We continue to work with union officials to address all matters brought to their attention, but are only able to address these within the resources available."
A spokesman for Glasgow Clyde added: "There are many issues which arise as a result of merger, most especially at the start of a new academic session, and we have been engaged with the EIS to work through all issues. It is unfortunate this proposal has been put forward."
Glasgow Kelvin College was formed last year after the merger of John Wheatley, North Glasgow and Stow colleges as part of a Scotland-wide programme of re-organisation. Glasgow Clyde College was formed from the merger of Anniesland, Cardonald and Langside colleges.
Meanwhile, the cost of running the regional body in charge of colleges in Glasgow - led by former First Minister Henry McLeish - has come under fire. Figures show the body will cost up to £89,000 to run between September and December of this year compared to just £1,500 budgeted for the Lanarkshire college region.
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