Strike suspended at Bradford College

Members of UCU at Bradford College have suspended plans for strike action on Monday 21 June. The union has secured a redundancy agreement with the college, following an announcement of job losses earlier this year.
 
The union said today that is was delighted with a victory that it put down to strong collective action by UCU members and the skill and diligence of its local negotiators.
 
Staff and students will, however, hold lunchtime protests as part of a national day of action against government cuts to further, higher and adult education. At 12.00pm there will be a lunchtime rally at the college's McMillan Building where there will be speakers from UCU, UNISON and the National Union of Students.
 
Protests are being held at over 70 colleges and universities throughout the country over plans to cut university funding by over £1.2 billion and adult learning by over £200 million.
 
UCU regional official for Yorkshire, Julie Kelley said: 'We are proud of the action taken by UCU members here at the college and the hard work from the union's officers in securing this agreement. It is essential that we protect front-line services in this country and we will be holding lunchtime protests on Monday to call upon the chancellor to protect education in his budget.
 
'Educational underachievement is high in a number areas across West Yorkshire and I cannot see how cutting back on crucial funding is in anyone's interests. We are not willing to sit back and watch the educational opportunities for thousands of people being put at risk. UCU members at Bradford will do all they can to fight for their students and the local community.'