College staff prepare for strike action

Staff at 25 colleges across England are set to go on strike next week, in a dispute over pay and working conditions.

The University and College Union (UCU) said its members at other colleges had settled their disputes following pay awards worth up to 8.7%, but industrial action remains scheduled for those where no settlement has been reached.

It said it was pressing for further "meaningful" bargaining.

David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges (AOC), said: "I am disappointed to see college staff voting for strike action, and I hope it doesn't come to fruition as it's the students who will suffer."

If the strike goes ahead, UCU members at the 25 colleges will walk out from Wednesday to Friday and hold a rally in Westminster on Friday.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "Industrial action is a last resort for our members, but staff up and down England have been left with no choice.

"There is still time for colleges to make fair offers that help close the pay gap between school and college teachers."

The AOC said it was committed to improving pay and conditions and unions should be directing their complaints to the government, to demand more investment.

Colleges where UCU members are taking strike action are:

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