Lecturers at the local college walked out for a third day in the latest stage of a dispute with management.

Picket lines were set up from 7am on Tuesday, January 17 at James Watt’s campus in Kilwinning, as well as those in Greenock and Largs.

The strikes had been voted for by members of the Education Institute for Scotland (EIS) in response to changes in working conditions.

However, concerns have been raised with regard to the negative impact on students, as the dispute over lecturer salary conservation continues.

James Watt College’s North Ayrshire Campus Student President, Robert Foster, was dismayed at the action.

He said: “I am disappointed the strike has happened today as I believe it could have been avoided and should have been suspended until ACAS have investigated.

“It is another day of learning lost for the most important people in the College; the students.�

Meanwhile, members of the college’s Management Team are set to begin discussions with EIS-FELA officials and ACAS on Wednesday, January 18 with the aim of drawing up a resolution to the dispute.

A spokeswoman from James Watt College said: “We had hoped the action would be suspended while conciliation talks went ahead. Instead, some of our students are again losing valuable learning time.

“We enter into the ACAS chaired discussions hoping to reach a positive agreement with EIS-FELA, to secure the best possible outcomes for the College, its students and its staff.

“It is regretful that while these talks are ongoing, EIS-FELA members have not agreed to halt their programme of industrial action at the College.

“Members of James Watt College management team are disappointed that EIS –FELA has refused their request for the strikes to be suspended while talks continue.

“Discussions aiming to resolve the ongoing dispute, which mainly concerns salary conservation, will take place with ACAS this Wednesday.

“James Watt College remains fully committed to finding a resolution and looks forward to positive talks with EIS-FELA officials as part of this process.�

Have you been affected by the strikes in Kilwinning? Or were you one of the strikers? Let us know here at s1kilwinning.