Strike for fair pay and respect in further education

Your resolve and organisation as well as the support from students and solidarity from other unions and the wider community was a joy to behold and I hope our digital 'wall of support' captures a flavour of what was a hugely inspiring week.

I've never been more certain that it's a fight we can win. We know the sector is in good financial health and that many colleges have built up surpluses - they're just not investing that money in their staff. Like many workers across the country, we can no longer sit by and watch the value of our pay fall while our bills are rising. UCU members in universities have seen the example you set this week as they're being balloted for their own action on pay and pensions. 

Please stay strong and support the next round of strike action on Thursday and Friday this week, talk to your branch or regional office for support or about helping out on picket lines. I will be joining the picket line at Lewisham College this Thursday and will continue to stand in solidarity with FE members demanding respect and fair pay. When we stick together, we win together.

In solidarity

Jo Grady
UCU general secretary