Staff balloted for strike action at Barnsley College
27 May 2011
Members of UCU at Barnsley College are being balloted for strike action in a row over jobs. The ballot result is expected on Wednesday 8 June.
The union is angry over plans to make 30 lecturers redundant - which, together with the current voluntary redundancies at the college, would result in 25% of institution's teaching workforce leaving.
UCU has accused the college of using the current funding difficulties in further education as an excuse to rush through 'disproportionate' cuts. Under the proposals provision will be slashed across departments, including engineering, art and design, catering, and hospitality and tourism.
The college has told the union it is facing a funding shortfall of 20% over the next four years, but is insisting on slashing budgets by 25% in just 12 months.
UCU said the cuts would mean bad for those who do survive cull; staff will be expected to work longer hours with larger class sizes.
UCU regional official, Julie Kelley, said: 'Strike action is always a last resort but UCU members here at Barnsley have been left with little choice. By rushing through these disproportionate the college will do lasting damage at a time when young people most need access to training. We need teachers teaching, not on the dole queue.
'The plans will result in longer working hours, larger class sizes and a seriously diminished education experience for students.'
UCU has accused the college of using the current funding difficulties in further education as an excuse to rush through 'disproportionate' cuts. Under the proposals provision will be slashed across departments, including engineering, art and design, catering, and hospitality and tourism.
The college has told the union it is facing a funding shortfall of 20% over the next four years, but is insisting on slashing budgets by 25% in just 12 months.
UCU said the cuts would mean bad for those who do survive cull; staff will be expected to work longer hours with larger class sizes.
UCU regional official, Julie Kelley, said: 'Strike action is always a last resort but UCU members here at Barnsley have been left with little choice. By rushing through these disproportionate the college will do lasting damage at a time when young people most need access to training. We need teachers teaching, not on the dole queue.
'The plans will result in longer working hours, larger class sizes and a seriously diminished education experience for students.'
- PrintPrint this page
- Share
Comments