Pet Shop Boy adds support to Lambeth College strikers

Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant has added his support to the strikers at Lambeth College as they enter a fifth week of strike action.

Tennant sent the union a picture of him holding up a poster that said 'Lambeth UCU: Your fight is our fight.'

Tennant joins thousands of people, including film director Ken Loach, who have expressed their support for the members of UCU who have been on strike since Tuesday 3 June in a row over contracts.

The dispute centres on the college's introduction of contracts for new staff which will mean they work longer hours, have fewer holidays, work during the traditional college holidays and have less sick pay.

UCU regional official, Una O'Brien, said: 'Support is growing for the strikers at Lambeth College. Nobody wants to be on strike, but they are determined to win their battle against changes to contracts.

'We met with the college last week and we hope to do so again later this week. We remain hopeful the dispute can be resolved as soon as possible with minimum extra disruption.'

In the UCU strike ballot, 89% of members who voted backed the call for indefinite strike action.