Respect FE campaign: workload, pay, and UCU's meeting later today with the Association of Colleges

When we met last month the AoC said they intended to recommend a 2.25% pay rise. Amidst soaring inflation and a decade of real terms pay cuts, this is not nearly enough and it would not direct nearly enough of the recent 16-19 funding increases where they need to go - to staff. A number of employers have already offered significantly more than 2.25% to their UCU branch and the AoC needs to set the bar much higher. I will let you know the outcomes from today's meeting as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, please read the results of our recent survey on workload in tertiary education. 93% of college staff say their workload has increased in the past three years and 41.6% say it is unmanageable. 

Given what you are telling us about your working conditions, the demands in our Respect FE charter for national policies on guided learning hours, class size recommendations and other important workload and wellbeing protocols could not be more urgent. If haven't already signed the charter to show your support for it, do so today. 

And finally, if you are in one of the colleges balloting for industrial action over pay, don't forget that the law requires 50% of eligible voters in your branch to cast a vote before you can take action. If you don't vote, you are depriving not only yourself but all your colleagues of a chance to win the pay you deserve - so as soon as you get your ballot papers, make sure you post your vote back in the prepaid envelope. 

In solidarity, 

Jo Grady 
UCU general secretary