Staff, parents and students are set to gather for a protest against the closure of a Paisley nursery on Tuesday.
West College Scotland previously announced plans to close the nursery schools at both its Paisley and Greenock campuses as well as scaling back its catering services on all its sites.
The Paisley facility, which is located within the Renfrew Road campus, looks after youngsters of both students and locals.
Union bosses have slammed the decision by the college, saying “If the need hasn’t gone away, why should the services?” as they continue the fight to save two nursery schools.
The two largest trade unions in Scotland, UNISON and UNITE, who represent early years workers and catering staff, are calling for college bosses to reverse their decision and give serious consideration to alternative options.
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Now, in response to the closure threats, demonstrations of staff, parents, students and local people will take place at the college’s Paisley campus at 3pm tomorrow.
UNISON regional organiser, Lorcan Mullen said: “These are both much-loved nursery schools in Greenock and Paisley and they are a lifeline for local communities.
“Closing them would not only impact on the children and families who already use the service but also put up a barrier for parents returning to education.
“And to cut catering provision at a time when students are beginning to return to campuses makes no sense at all. If the need hasn’t gone away, then why should the services?
“We are urging college chiefs to halt their plans and keep these nurseries open and properly consider alternative proposals with parents, students and the local community.”
Alison Maclean, Unite regional officer added: “The proposal to close these nurseries will have a devastating impact on staff as well as the local communities they serve.
“The unions are consulting with our members who have come up with counter proposals and we would expect the college to consider these very carefully.
“Our members in catering have already been hit hard during the pandemic and to now cut their jobs and services that students and staff rely on makes no sense at a time when the colleges continue to open their doors and return to some normality”.
Bosses at the college have previously said the cuts have been tabled to save cash and “ensure that education provision is maintained to the highest standard”.
Amy McDonald, vice principal of operations at West College Scotland, said: “Difficult decisions are having to be considered regarding loss-making non-core services, including the proposed closure of cross-campus West College Scotland nursery provision.
“As we proceed through a consultation process with affected staff members and their union representatives, we have made it clear that any financially feasible alternatives brought to the college’s attention will be given due consideration.
“Proposed changes to catering provision are intended to better meet the needs and demands of those using the services, and enhance the experience of those studying at West College Scotland.”
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