Strike hits Warwickshire College

Lecturers, librarians, technicians, cleaners and caretakers took part in the one-day strike across the county today (Wednesday).

Led by union, Unison, staff in Leamington were at the picket line from 8am today, with staff in Rugby out from 7.45am.

The protest is against a recommended pay freeze by the Association of Colleges following several years of low pay rises for staff resulting in a real-terms pay cut of up to 17 per cent for some workers.

Unison general secretary, Dave Prentis said: “Some colleges have promised their employees a pay rise, but the vast majority are determined not to budge from the zero per cent recommended. We urge the Association to follow the example of those more enlightened colleges who want to come back to the table to try to resolve this dispute.

“The real villains in this dispute are government ministers, whose funding cuts over several years have left colleges in dire financial straits. But it shouldn’t be further education employees paying the price.

“After years of pay freezes and real terms pay cuts, staff have been left with no choice but to take action to win a fair deal. It’s time for the college employers to do the right thing, get back around the table and make a decent pay offer that rewards all college staff for their dedication and hard work.”

A spokesperson from the college has yet to comment on the action.