Bradford College, UCU strike, 10.11.15, photo Iain Dalton

Bradford College, UCU strike, 10.11.15, photo Iain Dalton   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

UCU strike in colleges over pay

Iain Dalton

On Tuesday 10th November, UCU members across the Further Education sector in England took strike action against the refusal of the Association of Colleges to negotiate any pay rise for teaching staff in colleges over the coming year.

At the picket line at Bradford College, in the shadow of the new £50 million David Hockney building, pickets talked about how the costs of the building were coming out of their jobs, pay and conditions. Nine ESOL posts are due to be lost at the college alongside other cutbacks.

Bradford College, UCU strike, 10.11.15, photo Iain Dalton

Bradford College, UCU strike, 10.11.15, photo Iain Dalton   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Many pickets talked about how the college management’s corporate ethos was interfering with teaching. One lecturer told us how he had prepared a lesson plan including using a whiteboard and other classroom resources, but was expected to carry it out in the college foyer!

Another told us how he had been unable to access college buildings for discussions with students on placement during half-term – the only time those on his course could visit due to some placements being as far away as London.

The reality is that the refusal to negotiate is the latest in a long line of attacks on FE colleges that across the country have been cutting vital courses and support for students.

The latest 24% cut in adult education will further add to the misery of staff and students as it is implemented across the country.