COLLEGE lecturers in Scotland could strike after members overwhelmingly voted to reject a “pay cap” offer, their union warned yesterday.

The Further Education Lecturers Association (Fela) — part of the Education Institute of Scotland (EIS) — said the proposed 2.5 per cent consolidated uplift over three years would mean a real-terms pay cut.

EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: “This vote is an overwhelming rejection of the pay offer and signifies the strength of feeling of our members.

“This dispute is about a cost-of-living pay rise and ensuring that lecturers’ pay keeps up with inflation.

“We hope that this clear rejection by lecturers will cause management to think again and return with an improved offer, avoiding the risk of industrial action in our colleges.”

Members voted by nine to one to reject the proposal, on a turnout of 60 per cent.

Fela president Pam Currie added: “Lecturers play a pivotal role in delivering improved life chances, generating a more skilled workforce and addressing inequality in society.

“They deserve a cost-of-living pay settlement.”