Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/738/15528
From The Socialist newspaper, 17 October 2012
Lecturers fight cuts
UCU strikers on a picket line in Swansea on 10 May 2012 public sector workers strike , photo Socialist Party Wales (Click to enlarge)
Gateshead College lecturers took further strike action on 10 October in response to an attack on their pay and working conditions.
The picket line at the main campus was lively, and they were getting plenty of support from passing traffic.
College management are pushing through restructuring which could see lecturers working up to 50 hours a week.
Richard Bathgate, UCU branch chair, explained what restructuring has meant: "All members of teaching staff have had to go through the process of re-applying for their own job. Some have spent up to four days on their application form."
Another striker commented that her role has been changed from 'lecturer' to 'learning facilitator'. She went on to say: "My salary is protected, but I will get no cost of living increase until my pay grade matches what I'm frozen on."
Preparation time for lessons will be cut to six minutes per hour. This will include preparing lessons, marking and any individual attention required.
Clearly this will have a huge impact on the standard of lessons students at the college receive.
The mood on the picket line was determined, and lecturers commented that they were being well supported by their students.
Elaine Brunskill
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 17 October 2012:
Fighting the cuts
We want a 24-hour general strike!
Southampton anti-cuts councillors form new council group
Meetings after 20th October TUC demonstration
Socialist Party feature
Socialist Party news and analysis
Academies: march to defend education on 20 October
Stop the gas price hike - Nationalise the utilities!
Osborne's 'shares' plan threatens rights
Socialist Party feature
Unions must build the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)
Socialist history
Poll tax: When organised mass action defeated the Tories
Socialist Party youth and students
Youth Fight for Jobs fortnight of action 13-28 October
International socialist news and analysis
Fight for a socialist and internationalist alternative to the crisis-ridden EU
Solidarity with Miners in South Africa
US elections: And the winner is... Wall Street!
Pakistan: Workers die as profit put before safety
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Hands off our NHS! - Victory in Gloucestershire
Stop the far right from 'uniting' on 27 October
Stop health robbery in Sherwood Forest
Invest in caring - we're worth it!
Socialist Party workplace news
Amnesty International staff take strike action
Bus drivers: We need shorter hours!
Hospital staff in Stockton and Hartlepool threatened with worse terms and conditions
The Socialist Party
The Socialist - Help us build it with the 20-20-20 plan!
Fight back against austerity - support the Socialist Party
New sales of the Socialist in Kenilworth
Home | The Socialist 17 October 2012 | Join the Socialist Party
Join us today!
Printable version
