CLYDEBANK’S college will be at the centre of a nationwide staff walk out once again tomorrow.

West College Scotland lecturers will strike amid an ongoing dispute over pay, terms and conditions.

Audrey Cumberford, West College Scotland principal, said: “It’s particularly disappointing the EIS has chosen this course of action given that talks are continuing and both sides have agreed to use the services of Acas.

“This is a sector-wide dispute about pay, terms and conditions which has to be resolved at a national level.”

The college has cancelled all classes on Thursday but it will open its three main campuses.

Library and catering services will be provided.

The college claims EIS has informed all Scotland’s colleges of 12 days of national strike action across the important examination season, stretching to early June.

West College Scotland says it will continue to review arrangements for strike days, the second of which is due to take place on Wednesday, May 3.

Ms Cumberford has also written to local MSPs and MPs, assuring them the college is doing everything it can to minimise disruption to its students’ education.

She added: “This strike is not just about pay, it’s also about terms and conditions. Both matters are inextricably linked.

“A national average pay increase of nine per cent for lecturers over two years has been agreed but before it can be implemented there also needs to be a national agreement on areas such as holiday entitlement and weekly teaching hours. Unfortunately, so far, that deal has not been reached.

“In the meantime, the college will do all we can to support our students during this important time in their studies.”

It’s the third time the college have seen staff take industrial action in recent months.

Support staff walked out in September last year in a dispute over a pay increase, while two further strike days set for November were cancelled at the last minute.

Lecturers also went on strike last March as part of a national dispute over pay.

EIS did not respond to requests for comment.