More strikes at Lewisham Southwark College in row over job losses

UCU members will be on strike on Thursday 18 June, Friday 19 June and Tuesday 23 June. Picket lines will be held outside the main entrances to the college's four campuses in Lewisham, Deptford, Camberwell and Waterloo each morning from 7:30am.

UCU members protest during Thursday's strike against job losses On Thursday there will be a rally starting at 10:45am outside the Lewisham campus. On Friday there will be a demonstration outside the Camberwell campus, which is under threat of closure.

The college management has blamed government cuts for its plans to axe 112 posts, but UCU says the college has failed to fully explore alternative financial strategies and has created unnecessary delays in agreeing voluntary redundancy packages for staff.

In the recent ballot, UCU members overwhelmingly backed strike action with 85% of those polled voting in favour of walking out. There has already been one day lost to strike action in the dispute after staff walked out earlier this month.

UCU regional official, Una O'Brien, said: 'Strike action is a last resort for staff at Lewisham Southwark College, but we are increasingly frustrated with the college's slash and burn approach to its difficulties. The college should sit down with us and discuss all the options available.'