Representative members from University and College Union (UCU)  and Lambeth College leadership are due to return to the negotiating table as the fourth week of an indefinite strike over staff contracts draws to a close.

Union officials and Lambeth College met on Friday to try to bring an end to the stand-off over contracts which unions say would leave new members of staff with less annual leave, longer working hours and less sick pay.

Although the hour-long meeting did not result in the end of the walk-out, FE Week understands that measures to mitigate the impact of the new contracts were discussed and were taken away by UCU representatives to put to the local branch.

Representatives from both sides are due to meet again tomorrow.

Neil Tennant, one half of the band Pet Shop Boys gave his backing to the protest
Neil Tennant one half of the band Pet Shop Boys gave his backing to the protest

UCU regional official, Una O’Brien, said: “We met with the college last week and we hope to do so again later this week.

“We remain hopeful the dispute can be resolved as soon as possible with minimum extra disruption.”

Lambeth College director of human resources, Musrat Zaman said: “We’re not withdrawing the new contracts but we will talk about the management of the new contracts.

“We will be looking at issues such as the increased working hours and what is defined as working hours… but removing the new contracts is not on the table as far as we’re concerned.”

Meanwhile, striking Lambeth workers found support from an unlikely source — Neil Tennant, one half of the band Pet Shop Boys gave his backing to the protest, sending the union a picture of himself holding a poster reading “Lambeth UCU: your fight is out fight”.

Award-winning film director Ken Loach has also expressed support for the striking lecturers.

In a message apparently sent to the union he said: ““Good luck to the Lambeth College teachers and those who support them.

“We desperately look for leadership to resist the cuts and privatisations imposed by the Government.

“The fabric of a decent and civilised society is being ripped apart and the mainstream politicians leave us undefended. You are showing the way.

“I hope you stay strong and get the support your actions deserve.”

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2 Comments

  1. not impressed

    Amazing I didn’t realise that you need celebrity endorsements to gain press. When did FEWeek become the entertainment page of a red top tabloid.

    over to Lambeth college management to now identify some celebrity endorsements. Am sure FE Week will then raise it as a news piece… After all F E Week is Further Entertainment Week.

    • S El-Shunnar

      Well Done
      One of the saddest parts of living in these difficult times is the sheer lack of understanding by the public at large of what these cuts ultimately mean for future generations. The measures to which big business can influence political policy is now hitting the majority of the population with no end in sight to their back door infiltration. The majority of cuts currently being imposed will, in my opinion, lead to higher unemployment, higher crime rates and further dumbing down of the population in general. The short sightedness of the people supporting and perpetuating this current trend is going to leave a negative impact that will still be felt long after they have turned to dust. It really is a sad time for education indeed.