2 days of strikes called at Manchester international student college over low pay

Workers will down tools on Thursday 25 September and Tuesday 30 September, and will be on picket lines outside the college on both strike days. UCU called on the college to immediately confirm dates to meet at ACAS and come back to the table with a fair pay offer so strike action can be avoided even at this late stage. 

The strike comes after an incredible 97% of UCU members voted to take strike action in a ballot that saw a turnout of 83%. So far, the college has refused to budge from its offer of just 2%, a significant real term cut against inflation. The college charges international students up to £38k per year, and last year made over £20m, paying out £15m in dividends. 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Even at this late stage we hope INTO Manchester makes our members a fair offer that will allow us to resolve the dispute before going out on strike. 

'Two percent is an insult to staff who have been working hard for students, while shareholders have taken over £20m in profits out of the system.  All we are asking is that a small proportion of the wealth our members have created is used to sufficiently raise wages.'