Disgruntled union members at City of Portsmouth College to strike for second time this year over pay and working conditions
Picket lines are set to be established at City of Portsmouth College for a second time this year as disgruntled union members continue fighting for better pay and working conditions.
At the start of the year, University and College Union (UCU) and the National Education Union (NEU) members took industrial action over a three day period across City of Portsmouth College campuses.
The strikes, which took place between January 14 and 16, saw staff shout for fair pay whilst brandishing placard signs that said “no wonder everyone leaves” and “you can’t put students first if you put teachers last”.
The biggest disagreement between the union and the college was the pay rise offer of 2.5 per cent made by the college with Jane Gastrell, industrial organiser for NEU, previously saying the offer was “derisory”.
This response comes after the Association of Colleges (AoC) recommended a pay increase of four per cent. The NEU now has plans for further strike action to take place on March 16,17 and 18 as the pay dispute continues.
A spokesperson for the City of Portsmouth College previously said the education setting “remains committed to creating a working environment that’s inclusive, aspirational and accommodating to all its staff.”
A number of schools across the area have taken industrial action over the past few months, with Portsmouth Grammar School staff striking in a row over pensions, and HSDC union members taking action against job cuts.
The City of Portsmouth College, the NEU and the UCU have all been contacted for a comment.
More updates to follow.