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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
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