Solidarity with college teachers

Today UCU members at ten English further education colleges will walk out on strike and I send solidarity to those striking today and throughout this current wave: your action is an inspiration to the union movement and to education staff everywhere. Striking is always a last resort for teachers but the college employers' failure to address declining wages and the pay gap with schools has left UCU members with no choice but to fight back. 

Please let our striking colleagues know you have their backs by posting solidarity selfies and messages on social media using #FEstrike and #justiceforcollegeteachers or email direct here. We're collecting and displaying your posts on our online wall of support here.

College staff have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, showing a passion and commitment to our students' education that makes the pay offer of 1% even more of a kick in the teeth. Well now we're kicking back but the employers can still avoid further disruption. Strike action has just been suspended or cancelled at three colleges who were due to take part, following late pay offers from management. We can win this dispute: the money is there and our demands are reasonable. 

Please send a message of solidarity to our colleagues on strike and to the employers that an injury to one is an injury to all.

Jo Grady
UCU general secretary