THE Scottish TUC urged City of Glasgow College bosses to “see sense” today after they rejected proposals to save the institution’s trade union Education Centre.

Unions and campaigners vowed to step up their push to save the centre, which has helped educate thousands of trade union reps, shop stewards and members over 30 years.

In May college managers announced the centre was earmarked for closure, claiming it was financially unsustainable.

They have now rejected an alternative business plan put forward by the STUC this summer.

A spokesperson for the Campaign to Save The Glasgow Trade Union Education Centre said: “There is no educational or financial reason for closing the centre.

“With his actions, college principal Paul Little has shown his true colours. He is an anti-trade union principal who will do anything he can to undermine the trade union movement.”

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said the federation had written to the principal and Cabinet Secretary today outlining its concerns at the lack of progress in discussions.

“We have presented a viable plan which would generate a surplus for the centre and provide the foundation to consolidate the future of the trade union centre, helping sustain it for many years to come,” she added.

A City of Glasgow College spokesman said: “The TUC Education Centre is currently operating at an annual loss to the college of circa £150,000, and unless additional, long-term funding is forthcoming it is financially unsustainable.”

“In our discussions with the STUC and TUC they have not yet been able to come up with a viable plan to help safeguard the Centre's future, but further talks are scheduled and we remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached which makes the Centre financially sustainable.”