THE Scottish Further and Higher Education Association has admitted it is close to collapse - further enraging FE members of the EIS who argue that this makes what they regard as preferential treatment for the smaller union completely unnecessary.
In a “strictly private and confidential” newsletter to members, the SFHEA refers to “the serious difficulties the union is experiencing with regard to a reducing membership combined with lack of participation of current members to the point where it is becoming difficult, if not impossible, for the union to function.
“The reality is that the SFHEA cannot continue in its present form indefinitely and members would find themselves in a position where the union is no longer viable and will therefore cease to exist.”
The newsletter goes on to say that members would then have no option but to join the EIS. The differences that used to be between the two unions no longer exist, the SFHEA states.
In a covering note to members, Eric Smith, the SFHEA’s general secretary, underlines the strictly confidential nature of the newsletter. “It could obviously be detrimental to the union if this infor-mation were to be disclosed outwith the SFHEA membership,” Mr Smith stated.
