Dear all
Following the excellent result (83% Yes for strike action, on a 58% turnout) in the re-ballot over new contracts, Lambeth College UCU will be taking the first day of strike action this Thursday 4th December. Members have voted continuously throughout this dispute to resist the attacks on their working conditions: the cut of 2 weeks holiday, the massive reduction in sick pay entitlement, extra hours’ teaching time for no extra pay, and more. The strike action taken so far has resulted in some small improvements to the offer made by management. But they do not go far enough. If there is no acceptable offer from management the action will escalate with 2 further days on Tuesday & Wednesday 9th and 10thDecember, then 3 more days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 15th, 16th and 17th December. The action will continue after the Christmas break if necessary.
There will be a rally from 12-1pm outside the Clapham Centre at lunchtime. Speakers already confirmed include – John McDonnell MP, Jonathan Bartley (Green Party), Lambeth Unison, ESOL student delegation, St Mungos and more.
Please join us on the picket lines outside each centre from 7am to 7pm, and the rally at lunchtime on Thursday.
Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support and donations in our dispute so far. Please continue to send messages of support to the branch via Branch Secretary, Mandy Brown, atmandybrowncow@yahoo.com. A collection sheet is here for donations.
Best wishes
Mandy Brown
Branch Secretary
Lambeth College UCU