UCOL strike in two weeks' time

Staff at UCOL plan to take strike action on 4 March unless their employer makes progress towards giving them a pay rise.

“We don’t want to go on strike. We want to be there for our students. We’ve tried to put this off as long as possible so UCOL can do the right thing,” says TEU branch president Tina Smith.

Since 2010 pay for UCOL staff has shrunk in real terms, compared to inflation.

Smith says the next 13 days are a countdown for UCOL to prove it is a good local employer, which gives pay rises.

“UCOL has good staff, giving local people the skills they need for local jobs. We deserve fair pay.”

Negotiations between the polytechnic and union members began months ago but the polytechnic still has not offered a pay rise, or even agreed to talk about a pay rise. Staff members had previously tried actions that did not affect students, such as picketing during a speech by the chief executive and all wearing red clothes to work, to no avail. Yesterday, the union’s local committee voted to go on strike, but they have decided to leave the strike as long as possible, to give the polytechnic time to change its mind.

“We don't want to strike and we don't want students to lose out. UCOL mustn't let this happen.”

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