Desperate learners at Lambeth College have called on union leaders and college bosses to get back around the negotiating table amid fears an increasingly bitter strike is putting university futures at risk.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) started their indefinite industrial action on Tuesday, June 3, over contracts which offer less annual leave and longer working hours.

Principal Mark Silverman said the terms of the new contract, which was introduced from April 1 this year, were “in line with sector norms”.

But the UCU claimed they would leave staff with “bigger workloads, but less sick pay and fewer holidays”.

The college said it was “business as usual” at the college, but learners told FE Week many classes had been cancelled or replaced with “unhelpful” study sessions — and now they fear their futures are being put at risk.

A 17-year-old childcare student, who did not wish to be named, said: “The plan was to go to university next year but at this stage I don’t think it’s going to happen. The college and the union need to sort this out.”

Level three business student Tatiana Cunha, 18, said: “It’s been terrible — the study sessions are really unhelpful because you can’t ask anyone if you’re stuck.”

She added: “They should meet and sort this out — it’s the only reasonable thing to do.”

Level two applied science student Fatlyn Kamara, aged 24, said: “We need our teachers back, we’ve had assignments and we’ve had no feedback from it and the course ends in two weeks — by the time they come back it will be over.

“I want to do an access course, but I need a proper exam result to get onto it and now I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

A Lambeth College spokesperson said: “The majority of classes are running, exams and assessments are going extremely well and learners are all attending these as planned.

“There are three areas of the college that are affected most — LLDD, ESOL and some parts of science.

“However, we will continue to ensure there is a high level of supervised study.”

The new contracts offer 50 days a year annual leave — 10 days less than that given to existing staff.

Mr Silverman said the contract change was part of the college’s recovery plan following financial deficits of £4.1m in 2012/13 and £3.5m this year.

UCU regional official Una O’Brien said: “We have being trying to resolve this issue for months and we understand students’ concerns.” She added: “We want to get this resolved as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, staff at Brighton City College walked out on Tuesday (June 10) in a one-day strike over proposals to cut 55 full-time equivalent jobs. Michael Moran, Brighton’s UCU regional official, said: “The college needs to avoid knee-jerk reactions to cuts.”

Principal Lyn Thackway said: “The consultation process is ongoing and its final outcome is yet to be confirmed.”

 

Editorial

On the right side

There are always at least two sides to any industrial dispute.

Workers and their unions see things one way while managers and directors see them another.

But a third side to the dispute at Lambeth College is one which must now be put above all others.

This side is that of the learners. Their futures are being called into question — this is their own view of the effect the strike is having.

Their concerns and their hopes must be foremost in the minds of those who have the power to end this ugly row.

Yes, there may be genuinely held grievances. And yes, finances need to be squared.

But it seems staff and leaders are growing increasingly entrenched in their positions — and all the while learners are getting more and more worried about their education and could well end up resenting their time in FE.

So UCU members and principal Mark Silverman need to follow the advice of these learners and talk — please don’t let these young people think the sector has let them down.

Chris Henwood, editor

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply to Voice of reason Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

21 Comments

  1. david kaandi

    Some very salient points made in this piece. I’m sure both sides agree, as we all do that students come first.

    maybe FE Week readers could report on whether these changes at Lambeth are indeed normal and acceptable across our sector. I noticed many posts on your previous article from colleagues all over the country that do not seem to think these changes as unfair or abnormal.

    i certainly do not.

    my opinion still remains that it is the strikers who need to make the first step and stop striking. If only for the sake of their students. That is of course, if they really do care.

    i must dash, as I am on my way to work at a FE college.where my leave is 42days and student contact time is indeed more than what is being asked of the strikers at Lambeth.

    maybe, just maybe, that’s why my college is not in debt and more importantly our students are some highest achievers in the country.

    stop this madness. FE is suffering enough already.

    • gerard cross

      Are you proud to have longer working hours and effectively less pay for the work done? If you had made a stand when new working conditions were imposed in your college then maybe Lambeth workers would not need to strike. Seriously do you think that is why your college is not in debt? Are YOU a better teacher because you are working harder for less?

      • I care

        Dear Gerard Cross,

        This is from a teacher who wrote the poem below.
        I believe the poem speaks for itself.

        I am a teacher and I love what I do. April 17th I was sitting in a meeting, where we were being informed that cuts were coming, we would have less for our classrooms and that the number of students in each class would be raised. I just began thinking and the next thing I knew my poem was finished:

        Poem From A Teacher:

        I Am An Educator

        Give me less and expect more,
        Increase the number of students-unscored
        Yes, increase them to where they sit out the door
        But I’ll exceed…
        I’m an Educator.

        Give me less and expect more,
        Test them, test them, and increase the score,
        My soul, my heart I’ll outpour
        You see I am an educator.

        No salary increase, less material to store,
        Lesson plans and classes, don’t be a bore,
        Demands, deadlines-still they ask for more
        I’ll succeed. I’m an educator.

        Furloughs, uncertainties like never before,
        Bigger classes, less money, demands galore
        Test scores, vouchers, merit pay, issues soar
        I’ll succeed; you see I’m an educator.

        Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/i-am-an-educator#ixzz34MELTNfW

      • Yes- it sounds like David is a better teacher. He is realistic and dedicated by the sounds of things. Some teachers have experience of other colleges and the external world. They realise that the FE cuts come from central government and are not locally imposed. They fight for their colleges and learners, not against.

        • David

          It’s not correct to assume someone is a better teacher on that basis.

          There are a huge number of teachers on strike at Lambeth, and they represent a whole spectrum, including young and old, the less experienced and experts, indeed some of the finest teachers and managers I’ve known.

          I can only assume that Mr David Kaandi is thoroughly over-worked like many of us in the “Cinderella Service” that is FE.

          • David Kaandi

            I can state I am not overworked. I am extremely happy with my lot and take great pleasure in what I do.

            i have a couple of colleagues who have friends teaching at Lambeth…. I would suggest that the huge numbers are not on strike, in actual fact they are in work.

            oh and thanks very much Alan. Very much appreciated. Nice to know there are like minded committed and happy folk such as yourself out there.

  2. nakano

    Since this dispute began, when staff were first told about the changes to the contracts, the Principle’s position has been that the new contracts are non-negotiable. This is still the line coming from Management

    I don’t know of any union in the country that would’ve accepted much worse conditions for their members without any negotiation, which was the position staff at Lambeth College were left in. Hence the situation the college is in now.

    Staff are continuing to ask for a suspension of the new contracts in order to allow for negotiation and a return to work. They are asking that the Principle stops consulting with lawyers and starts to talk to staff.

    • Voice of reason

      Nakhon, I note you have commented on all articles including the Guardian. One suspects you may be a striking teacher as you seem so ‘gend up ‘ on the college.

      For your interest and amusement the spelling of your bosses title is PRINCIPAL

        • Voice of reason

          We have many differences: unlike these teachers I was not privileged to have a good education, get a degree – because I come from a working class family in the 60 ‘s where very large secondary education did not support learning for all.

          Unlike them I don’t get 11 or even 9 weeks annual leave, neither do I get a great pension with my employer and the tax payer paying a contribution

          . Unlike these teachers I work very long unsociable hours and only get statutory sick pay .

          Unlike these teachers I don’t involve innocent people in my own aims

          Unlike these teachers I have principles whereas they have just a principal!!!

          For your interest and amusement

  3. Voice of reason

    11 weeks (3 months ) annual leave and an average salaries of 40k.

    These middle class teachers telling the local community that they should forfeit their own educational chances to protect 10 days annual leave for new staff. Get a life. Easy to sort out. Don’t leave your job for promotion ( and more money) SORTED. Shame on you.

    What kind of professional enjoys saying that the most vulnerable members of the community (LLDD and ESOl) are not open to the college. Hold your heads in shame. I bet you don’t have a sleepless night tonight.

  4. David kaandi

    Had I made a stand at my college, then Lambeth would not be in the position it finds itself? What a load of baseless twaddle.

    i would suggest someone needs to acknowledge that it is not me nor the colleagues I work with that have any issue with embracing change and the challenges that come with it.

    i think it is as another post has put it, certain individuals fighting to keep their cushy way of life intact.

    and care not who or what they destroy along the way.

  5. David Kaandi

    I would also like to point out that according to a leading national paper…89% of a 43% turnout voted in favor of strike action. The clue lies within ‘43% turnout’

    i think we got a better turnout for Eurovision.

  6. Voice of reason

    How strange it is to pass Lambeth college to see middle class professional teachers earning 40k (with 11 weeks annual leave ) proudly announcing the college is in disruption and LLDD , science and ESOL departments are without teachers.

    They are talking about vulnerable learners with autism, Down’s syndrome and many other needs who are having their usual daily routines removed. Their parents and carers must out of their minds with worry if they work or need support.

    Students getting ready for exams and have their work marked must be anxious and worried for their future whilst these middle class professionals proudly stand and ask them for support by not attending their lessons and exams.

    Next year these teachers won’t even remember the names of the learners whose careers they tried to ruin

    The learners that attend Lambeth college are often from deprived areas in South East London. Their own parents may have low skilled but essential jobs. I bet many get up at 4am in the morning to come and clean offices for professionals (maybe even these teachers). I bet they earn probably less than 12k per year and will be lucky if they get 20 days annual leave ( including bank holidays) . Sick pay will be statutory sick pay. Yet they are being asked to understand the awful plight of these teachers of having only 9 weeks holiday, coming into work at 8.45 – 5pm and only getting 4 months full pay for sickness and 4 months half pay.

    Many adult learners fund their course by doing part time work in packing factories, cleaning and working in shops of an evening and weekend. That’s ac7 day a week; just to be educated like the teachers.

    Yes yes, we have heard how hard you all work marking every evening and all through your holidays

    Great idea to fail students and then the college will get a bad OFSTED inspection. Then the Principal will maybe get the boot ( hey look you win a GREAT VICTORY) You won, the strike was worth it

    Meanwhile the teachers, the technicians,the classroom assistants , the librarians, the cleaners etc – the many local people employed in the college- can all join the queue of the unemployed because the college will close.

    A hollow victory for what? A contract that does not affect existing staff.

  7. Voice of reason

    Regardless of people’s’ views on how staff express themselves with regard to the new contract for new staff all comments (Dan ) should remain professional and with integrity.

    Using the name of a governer and making such sweeping statements is personal and inappropriate. I am not a member of staff at the college , just an interested person, but I am reading more and more personal attacks on people from unionised staff. I am not sure why this paper has allowed this comment without the permission of the person. It stinks of desperation and I note the college has not made any comments in any individual striking.

    Not very educated or well thought out.

  8. Voice of reason

    And further Dan : thinking about it – you have put that Mr Silverman was once a ‘ mere teacher’ . You do therefore recognise his credentials as an educationalists with experience.

    I would beg to differ that any teacher is ‘ merely ‘ a teacher. You need to raise your aspirations for your profession. But then that would involve social,responsibility wouldn’t it? Including not depriving learners of an education. It’s a bit like a confectionary shop refusing to sell sweets

  9. Voice of reason

    The strikers speak of being upset at disrupting learners’ education and then continue to strike during exams and at the end of their course: even ( I notice on their strike Facebook page) organising events during the College day to attempt to lure learners away from attending College. They claim that’ ” the college is empty “.

    No doubt they attempt to convince themselves that they are teachers with a strong commitment to learners and the community. I bet they all claim they atrereally all secretly supporting learners despite not bring paid. No doubt this aids their sleeping each night.

    Maybe I I have mis-understood the integrity of these professionals and their actions UNTIL I watched a utube clip of a teacher on strike. I was mesmerised by her prancing around on the curb if Brixton with a sign saying ” beep” to passing traffic whilst her colleague filmed it. I dont think they thought for one minute that buses and white vans beeped to get her to prance around – a little like the childhood toy where you press the base and the donkeys legs collapse and it dances.

    The union proudly shows the BBC footage of around 10 teachers doing the hokey cokey as they cling together kicking their legs out and chanting ” id rather be a picket than a scab”. All these things in front of learners and the community

    I have worked out that every 10 teachers in in a Hokey Cokey chain is costing the tax payer £400k !, as UCU have indicted they have over 100 teachers on strike I will leave those of you better educated than me to do the maths.

  10. Voice of reason

    In a u tube clip called ‘The Lambeth Walk (Out)’ please watch it. 12 striking teachers stand outside Lambeth College Signage singing “Doing the Lambeth Walk” whilst a gentleman raps

    “ Lambeth you never see
    The skies aint blue
    The grass ain’t green
    It hasn’t got that Mayfair Touch
    But that doesn’t matter much!!

    Lambeth College is in SW4 Clapham Common . Click on Wikipedia and you will get the following information:

    Clapham Common is an 89 hectares triangular area of grassland. (that’s a lot of green)

    Clapham contains three ponds, two of which are historical features, and a more modern paddling pool known as Cock Pond. (that’s a lot of blue)

    The common is surrounded by many fine houses, built from the 1790s onwards, which became fashionable dwellings for wealthy business people(that’s a lot of Mayfair Touch)

    This childish footage does not help support an adult debate. What must learners and parents be thinking watching their teachers behave like this in front of them and on the World Wide Web whilst they worry about their future.

    Would the union like to see the governors singing to Amy Winehouse ” shall we stop the new contracts I say NO NO NO” . Of course not it is silly and the union would quiet rightly go nuts.

    Stop now and sort it

  11. real non striker staff

    This has gone on far too long. Strikers come to your senses for the sake of all in community and sector.

    you state that college will not withdraw new contract.okay, have you tried to anything else to open negotiations?

    ever heard of ‘offer..counter offer’

    interest has waned… Yet the damage being caused may continue long after you all retire.

    FE is needed now and tomorrow. Adapt or walk away. Stop harping on about working conditions. There is far worse out there that merits a fight for.

    your claims are pithy to say the least. Shame on your selfishness.

    you are in it just for yourselves. I know most of you and I also know you have no decent argument to put forward. Make a decision. Either leave or come back and get on with it.

    i am a long serving member of staff. Not a manager or executive. I state for the record that the strikers do NOT represent mine or any of 200 plus teachers who are in work.

    grow up and get professional.