Members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) who work in sixth-form colleges have voted by a substantial majority to strike to defend pay and funding to the sector. Members of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) in colleges are now involved in a strike ballot too, while NASUWT members are being consulted.
As the first part of the campaign London NUT members struck in the afternoon of Thursday 23 February at 13 colleges spread over the region. College picket lines and events in Westminster were organised. Action outside of London is being planned.
The government’s attacks will see year-on-year cuts of almost a fifth by 2015. The employers want a pay freeze and higher pension contributions alongside job losses and attacks on working conditions. ■