Staff at Havant and South Downs College will strike for two consecutive days tomorrow and Thursday in a dispute over low pay amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The strike comes after 76% of UCU members who voted said yes to strike action. The turnout was 53%, surpassing the 50% threshold imposed by Tory anti-trade union laws, despite the ballot only being open for two weeks.
The National Education Union (NEU) also balloted members at the college with a similar result. 79% of NEU members voted for strike action with a 58% turnout and will be joining both days of strikes.
The college claims "we're strong believers that the best type of employees are happy and healthy." Its final consolidated pay award is worth just 3% for most college lecturers, who earn between £30k -£40k. It also made a one off payment, which was only £400 for most staff. Inflation is 13.4%, making this a huge real terms pay cut for college lecturers.
