Where was Mike during the Referendum?

The Correlate finds it interesting how quiet Mike Russell has been following the recent articles over the Glasgow Regional Colleges including the concerns expressed over the amount of Oor Henry's expense sheet! Scotsman 28 March 2014

Not a dickybird or tweet regarding Adam Smith College - hopefully this is a one off in the sector but who knows! An own GOAL?

It is also of interest that the First Minister in waiting, Nicola, has chosen to take a wee tour before any cabinet reshuffle!

Mike Russell: I'm not standing, but I back Nicola and want to stay in education post -HeraldScotland Wednesday 24 September 2014

However is Mike (Mistakes were made, but I'm not apologising) Russell about to get some garden leave just like some of his college principals? - Greenock Telegraph -       - HeraldScotland

We would suggest that if he goes any payout won't match that of their exit payments! His salary is less than principals get!

Where were you during the referendum Mike?

What mistakes have you made with the Regionalisation of the FE College Sector? Loads mibbees?

Colleges Scotland mibbees?

We note in this article Oor Henry gets a mention and has a job! This boy fairly gets around - looks like he could get a jeely piece at anybody's door!

Take a look here.... and think of national bargaining!

(taken from above link on 18 October)

Meeting of the Parliament 08 October 2014 : Wednesday, October 08, 2014
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning (Michael Russell)

The Scottish Government does not hold such information centrally. It is for individual colleges as employers to determine appropriate pay, terms and conditions for their staff.

Meeting of the Parliament 08 October 2014 : Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Michael Russell
I am glad that Ken Macintosh is converted to the concept of national terms and conditions. He and his colleagues voted against it in the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Act 2013, but I am glad that he welcomes it now.

I am keen that harmonisation takes place through negotiation between the trade unions and employers but, as the trade unions will no doubt confirm, that negotiation will have to ensure that no individual suffers in the process and that, over a period, all individuals are satisfied that their interests are being met. That is the aim of the harmonisation process within colleges and nationally, and I am keen that it produces the best results for all staff individually and collectively.

Meeting of the Parliament 08 October 2014 : Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Michael Russell
Absolutely. I am glad that all members—I hope it is all members—now support national pay bargaining, because it is an important element of the reforms that took place.

Colleges Scotland is providing support for a series of committees that will determine the new national salary and terms and conditions of service for the sector. The first meeting of the national joint negotiating committee for college staff took place in June 2014. The process will be difficult and complex, because there were many, many terms and conditions. Indeed, I have made that point often in this chamber—at one stage, there were 43 sets of terms and conditions and only 41 colleges. It will take work, but the unions are engaged in the process; management is engaged in the process; and it is backed by the Government.

We would ask Mike - How many different sets of terms and conditions still exist?

More to come as we gather the articles.. and of course your very much welcomed contributions! Thanks!