Lambeth College students launch campaign against cuts

UP TO 150 students and college workers took part in the first protest against cuts in adult provision at Lambeth College. Students lined up to sign petitions against the course closures and the demolition of the gardens.

Rob MacDonald, Student Union President, Lambeth College

The crowd was entertained with music and exhibitions from the pottery and horticulture students whose courses are due to be axed. The protesters joined hands to ring-fence the garden, loudly chanting "No, no to the cuts".

Following speakers from Natfhe, UNISON, NUS and the students affected by the cuts, the protest then gathered in the petitions (over 1,000 signatures) in a wheelbarrow and led an impromptu march, accompanied by drummers, to the principal's office.

A flustered principal received the petition from the noisy protest. We challenged him to "not implement these drastic cuts and join with the staff, students and other colleges in fighting the government". He was told that "a revolt had started in Lambeth that won't accept these cuts and that he had better join it".

UNISON and Natfhe plan to ballot for strike action on the issue - the student union fully backs the idea of industrial action mixed with community protest. We need to join with other colleges affected.

UNISON, Natfhe and NUS urgently need to build a national campaign similar to that at Lambeth College. Join the lobby on 3 April, 5.30-7pm outside the governors' meeting at the Clapham site (nearest tube: Clapham Common).

For more information and messages of solidarity contact studentlambeth@hotmail.com

Compass appoints new fat cat

SOCIALIST STUDENT groups that have been organising campaigns against catering giant Compass and its subsidiaries such as Scolarest for expensive and poor-quality food at college canteens will be interested to read that Compass recently appointed a new chief executive Richard Cousins and plan to pay him a £3 million package.

From May, Cousins will receive a basic salary of £750,000 but with a chance to earn up to £3 million during his first 12 months if the group hits its targets on cash flow and returns for shareholders.

He will be in line for a bonus worth 150% of his base salary and shares worth £1.5 million as part of Compass' long-term incentive scheme.

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