Further Education members vote for strike action on pay

UNISON members at further education colleges in England have voted for strike action over pay by two-to-one and in favour of action short of a strike by a four-to-one margin.

The industrial action ballot, which closed on 29 January, followed an earlier rejection of a 0% ‘pay offer’ from national employers. West Sussex colleges impacted will be:

  • Northbrook College
  • Central Sussex College
  • Chichester College

The union’s further education and sixth form committee met on Wednesday, 3 February, to consider the next steps in the campaign for a pay rise.

A day of strike action has been called for Wednesday 24th February.

Members are therefore advised they should not attend work on the above day. They do not need to inform their manager that they do not intend to work.

The West Sussex branch office is working with Reps in the above colleges to organise picket lines at all college sites across the county, from 7.30am-10.00am.

To join the picket line, please contact your local Rep or the branch office.

More details will be provided shortly.

The ballot saw 65.7% of those taking part vote for strike action, with 34.3% against, and 79.8% vote for industrial action short of a strike, with 20.2% voting against.