Strike ballot launched at New City College in unfair dismissal row

The ballot will open on Monday, 26 January and close on Friday, 13 February and could see disruption on campus in the coming months. 

Wojtek Dmochowski, an ESOL teacher at the college and UCU branch rep, was sanctioned for his trade union activity supporting a dispute at the BSix College in Hackney and subsequently dismissed in September.

Wojtek had worked at New City College for 23 years and is widely respected for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his students. 

UCU is calling on the college to reinstate Wojtek and agree protocols for dealing with complaints or issues involving union representatives. 

UCU has described Wojtek's dismissal as a clear case of trade union victimisation which is part of a wider pattern of anti-union practices at New City College, aimed at silencing activists and curtailing lawful union activity.

A website and petition have been launched calling on the college to think again and reinstate Wojtek. 

UCU are balloting the Arbour Square and Tower Hamlets campus sites as this is a local dispute.  

UCU regional official Adam Lincoln said: 'Strike action is a last resort for our union, but we will not stand by while one of our members is victimised. This is part of a pattern of anti-union practices at New City College aimed at silencing activists and curtailing lawful union activity. Management must enter urgent negotiations with UCU to resolve this dispute or face potential disruption in the coming months.'