Windsor Forest Colleges staff begin two-day strike tomorrow over low pay

Four colleges across Berkshire and Surrey will be hit by the action: Slough and Langley College, Windsor College, Strode's College, and the Berkshire College of Agriculture. Staff will be on picket lines each strike day.

The strike comes after management refused to make an improved offer at a meeting with UCU on Thursday 5 March and the board of governors refused to meet with the union. Staff had already voted to reject an improved offer of just £500 after they had also rejected an offer of 1.7%. Even with the additional £500, all staff would be paid below the rate recommended by employer body the Association of Colleges (4%). 

Despite trying to hold down the pay of teaching and support staff, senior management are paying themselves 7.8% with the college principal receiving a £10,000 increase in total remuneration.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Windsor Forest staff will be on picket lines this week to protest at college bosses' insistence on paying them less than their employer body has said they should.

'Striking staff are angry that senior managers want to hold down pay for lecturers and support staff, while enjoying bumper increases themselves. They need to belatedly recognise the incredible support their staff provide to students across Berkshire and Surrey, come back with a realistic pay offer and settle this dispute.'