A TEACHING union has called off strike action planned over the sacking of a former lecturer.
Edinburgh College and the Educational Institute of Scotland said they have reached an agreement in principle to resolve the current dispute which has already led to two days of strike action.
Union members took industrial action to push for the reinstatement of a colleague who it is understood was sacked following anonymous allegations.
The education union claimed the disciplinary process was flawed as it relied on the anonymous complaints by whistleblowers.
However, the college said the staff member was dismissed for gross misconduct which included misleading colleagues into believing that he was or had been a doctor.
The two sides met with conciliators and have said that Thursday's planned strike action at campuses across the Scottish capital is "suspended".
In a joint statement the college and the EIS said that "after very constructive discussions under the auspices of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, the trade union negotiating team and Edinburgh College have an agreement in principle to end the dispute relating to a former member of staff, to the satisfaction of all parties".
Annette Bruton, Edinburgh College principal, said: “I welcome the positive outcome from the very helpful discussions we have had today and look forward to the benefits that an agreement to improve industrial relations and partnership working will bring for the students and staff of Edinburgh College.”
Larry Flanagan, EIS general secretary, said: “We have had a constructive round of discussions that have resolved the issues regarding our member.
"We have also agreed a plan for future partnership working to the benefit of staff and students.”
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