Three-day strike at Bradford College in rows over pay and jobs

In ballots that closed yesterday, 94% of members who voted backed strikes in the row over plans to cut jobs and 86% backed action to defend pay. Staff will walk out on Wednesday 3 July, Thursday 4 July and Friday 5 July.

The college wants to axe 131 jobs in a bid to save money, but UCU said that the loss of valuable expertise would result in fewer opportunities for local people. UCU members at Bradford College have already walked out for seven days of strikes this year in the row over pay.

Staff have had only one 1% pay rise in the last 11 years and have seen their pay decline by 25% in real terms over that period. The union said that if the college wanted to avoid further disruption it needed to come back to the negotiating table prepared to talk seriously about pay and jobs.

UCU said Bradford College should look to the examples of other colleges delivering better pay and conditions for staff. The union pointed to recent deals at Hugh Baird College and Lambeth College as examples of what could be achieved when colleges work with the union.

UCU regional official Julie Kelley said: 'These ballot results must leave the college in no doubt about how angry staff are at plans to axe jobs and hold down pay. Staff should not be made to pay the price for previous failings and the college should be concentrating on providing a fresh start that is built around job security and fair pay. This incredibly strong mandate for strike action should focus the minds of those in charge and the college now needs to come back to us prepared to negotiate seriously about pay and jobs.

'Bradford should follow the examples of other colleges that have worked with us to improve and pay and conditions. UCU members have made it absolutely clear that they will take further action if needed. Axing jobs will result in fewer educational opportunities for people in Bradford.'