Teachers at 32 non-academised sixth form colleges across England have taken part in strike action in a dispute over pay and funding.
The teachers, who are members of the National Education Union, have undertaken action on 28 November, 3 December and today (4 December). They claim that unlike academised sixth form colleges, non-academised colleges have not been included within the government’s guaranteed funding for the 5.5% teacher pay award.
They have called on the government to ensure they receive an above-inflation pay award consistent with those at academised sixth form colleges.
A total of 40 sixth form college employers were balloted on a disaggregated basis, with one college later withdrawing. The ballot achieved a 62% turnout overall, with 97% voting in favour of strike action.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “No teacher wants to take strike action. However, in the face of the failure by the government to match the funding for a comparable pay award to the 5.5% pay deal seen elsewhere in academised sixth form colleges and schools they have been left with no choice.
“The government needs to resolve this matter for the benefit of our members and all teachers who work in non-academised colleges. There needs to be no doubt that failure to do so will result in further action. The National Education Union has made every effort to press the case with the government for a fair, funded pay award for every college. We stand willing to find a resolution to our dispute, but our members will not hesitate to fight on if the government continues to avoid responsibility for the situation. There is no pay justice without the same pay deal applying to all.”
