Staff at the Isle of Wight College have continued their 3-day strike today (Thursday) in a dispute with Further Education bosses over pay, funding and working conditions.
Across the country, members of the University and College Union (UCU) are striking amid a dispute with their employers over pay, funding and working conditions.
Staff at the educational establishment began the 3-day yesterday (Wednesday) and will be at the picket line until tomorrow morning (Friday).
Armed with umbrellas and ponchos, and fuelled with coffee from Jeremy at Really Awesome Coffee, around 30 protesters made their voices heard.
Fellow colleagues – who chose not to strike – and students, showed their support for those braving the elements by enthusiastically beeping their car horns.
The Isle of Wight College has awarded a 4% pay increase, but striking staff argue this does not match the 10% increase they are looking for. However, those in charge of the protest have said they are willing to negotiate.
Picket supervisor Claire Rixon, who works in student services, told Island Echo:
“We recognise the 4% offer that has been awarded to us but at the moment they aren’t yet willing to negotiate with us on some other issues we have such as workload policy.
Article continues below this advertisement “Some of the staff here are on minimum wage and they could earn more working at Lidl.
“It wasn’t an easy decision for anyone, we are losing pay and we are fully aware it does affect the students, but we have to try and make an impact.
This isn’t just about us but also about the students, putting them first is the mantra of the college but if we aren’t fully supported how can we support those students in reaching their potential.”
The IW College has confirmed that if scheduled lessons cannot go ahead, the college will provide alternative arrangements, including supervised study spaces on campus, so students can continue their learning in a safe and productive environment.
CECAMM students are currently based at the Newport campus for all lessons. To make this easier, a free minibus service will run between CECAMM and Newport campus.
Earlier this week, Principal Roz Parker, said:
“The Isle of Wight College acknowledges and respects the concerns raised by our staff regarding the long-standing underfunding of the Further Education sector. We fully recognise their right to take industrial action and make their voices heard.
“We have implemented the Association of Colleges’ recommendation for a 4% pay award and remain committed to working collaboratively with our teams to manage and reduce workload wherever possible. We will continue to prioritise our students learning and progress and we will take all necessary steps to minimise disruption to their learning during this period.
“Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate these challenges together.”
Where is Wrigly Quigley backing these people up? Nowhere to be seen as per usual back in the commons on 95k plus expenses lovely bubbly.General election now Liebir out asap lowestfavourability rating in history.
Who can blame him, probably lapping it up in his
tax payers paid for 2nd home. Wining and dining
compliments of us tax payers.
Why would he want to be on the Island slumming it
when he is living it up in the big smoke.
Because his family live here? And he doesn’t have a second home?
Judgment without knowledge, yet again? It’s beginning to be every single time you comment!
So EASY to find the actual true details as well.
I think maybe this is what’s know as wilful ignorance.
Politicians get a paid for London home, perk of the job
so they are near Parliament.
No, I think you’ll find that was Liz Truss.
And FE pay and conditions were sealed into law by the Tories in 2022. Without re-writing the law it could be tricky. Upgrades can be implemented at local level, providing the local levels have the funds. Not a central Government question.
Just one more reason why we need devolution.
WTF are you talking about ? Please send me some of whatever you are taking.
Devolution will be paradise.