UCU Northern Region on the October 20th TUC March

The first regional UCU banner up! David Branson (Middlesbrough College) and Liam Carr (Newcastle College) take the strain

The UCU contingent, photo ©Jess Hurd/TUC www.jesshurd.com @jesshurdphoto

Carrying the banner: Jon Bryan (Regional Support Official of UCU) and Ritchie Bathgate (Chair, Gateshead College UCU). Photo by @davethetog http://davethetog.blogspot.co.uk/

David Branson (Middlesbrough College and FE Regional Chair) and Ritchie Bathgate (UCU Chair, Gateshead College)

On the march: Jude Letham (Sunderland College UCU and Regional Secretary), Ian Wilson (Middlesbrough College UCU) and Cath Hepburn (Sunderland College UCU, Regional FE Secretary and NEC member)

Marching for "A Future That Works"

Approaching the Mass Rally in Hyde Park

UCU members, representatives and staff from the Northern Region travelled down to London for the TUC march "A Future That Works" on Saturday 20th October 2012.  Marchers included UCU members from: Carlisle College; Newcastle College; Tyne Met College; Gateshead College; Newcastle University; Northumbria University; Sunderland University; Durham University; Sunderland College; Teesside University; Middlesbrough College.

More on the demonstration can be found here: http://afuturethatworks.org/
Sally Hunt's speech to the TUC Rally is here: http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=6358
Coverage of others travelling from the north east to the TUC rally can be found here: http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/43871

UCU members at Gateshead College take strike action again



Pickets at the Main Baltic Campus, Gateshead College


 

UCU Pickets stay in the warmth of the sunshine - and in the heat of the battle!

 

Reflecting the additional workload and hours of teaching that College Managers are seeking:
"No More Than 25 Hours" of teaching a week

 

UCU Pickets were visited by a former part-time lecturer at Gateshead College, Jean Crocker, who is now on the union's National Executive Committee - holding the LHS of the banner

Chair of UCU at Gateshead College, Richard Bathgate and UCU National President, Kathy Taylor


Gateshead College UCU members were given a boost in their fight against unfair workloads as National President, Kathy Taylor, came to visit their picket lines when they took further strike action on Wednesday 10th October 2012.
 
Kathy Taylor said:

Strike action is a last resort for our members.  Unfortunately, it seems that the College just don't want an agreement with us and that's why UCU is having to take this disruptive action.  Our members want the time to do the job properly and provide the quality education that they know they can deliver.  I salute those who are taking the very difficult decision to take strike action today, and call on the College to sit down and come to a sensible agreement with our UCU representatives at the College.

Pickets were up early again and were at every site of the College, buoyed by the many messages of support from across the region:
 
Julie Young from the Civil Service Union, PCS, said:

Solidarity greetings to all UCU members on strike at Gateshead College today from PCS Northern Region.

Jude Letham, Regional Secretary of UCU said: 

On behalf of UCU members in the Northern Region, may I pass on our hopes for your industrial action on Wednesday being strongly supported and successful.

As you well know, many of your UCU colleagues can fully empathise with your plight; having experienced cuts to salary, threats of redundancy and attacks on terms and conditions.  The issues you are facing with regard to workload have clear implications for jeopardising both the health and well-being of your members and the quality of education they will be able to provide.
 
We are very grateful to you for the stand you are taking to oppose these attacks and maintain quality education.  You have our wholehearted support.  

Mick Sim, Branch Chair of UCU at Tyne Met College said: 

On behalf of the members of the Tyne Met Branch I write to wish you every success in the forthcoming day of industrial action. 

The professionalism of teachers and lecturers within FE sector is continuing to be undermined with the insidious replacement of lecturers with assessors, instructors and facilitators. This is nothing less than the institutional introduction of education on the cheap in order to reduce costs. 

The fact that your members have stated that they feel their skills and experience have been ignored and the talents of lecturers are not being valued, demonstrates the passion they feel towards delivering the best possible education for students now and into the future. There is a real potential for a dilution of the quality of the learner experience and a general decline in educational standards if the policy of changing terms and conditions of service within the FE sector continues for financial expediency. 

You have the full support of this Branch in your endeavours to preserve the professionalism of your members. It is incumbent on all of us within the sector to resist these short-sighted and foolhardy changes.

Tony Dowling, NUT representative said:

Solidarity to Gateshead College UCU lecturers striking again today against appalling pay cuts and attacks on conditions!

The Communications Workers Union (CWU) Newcastle Amal branch http://www.cwunewcastleamal.org/ said:

Support and solidarity to Gateshead College lecturers today

Solidarity greetings were also received from NESSN http://nessn.org.uk/ and many others, including a message from the President of the Open University Branch of UCU, Roger Walters, "to extend this branch's support to you in your battle against what appears by any stretch of the imagination to be appalling local management" hoping that "the firm action by members persuades the local management to come to its senses and negotiate an acceptable way forward".
 
Meanwhile, the Principal had decided, whilst he was away on business in the Far East, that his best efforts on the day would be served by writing an online letter to students, rather than trying to resolve the dispute.  See http://www.gateshead.ac.uk/news/2012/october/response-from-principal,-richard-thorold,-to-ucu-action/
 
Online coverage of this week's strike and the reasons for it can be found at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-19882962
http://www.counterfire.org/index.php/news/16075-de-skilled-de-motivated-demoralised-gateshead-college-lecturers-strike-back
http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=6350
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=29758
http://pakedu.net/world-education/gateshead-college-lecturers-will-take-strike-action/

Details of Previous Action:
http://ucunorthern.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/gateshead-college-lecturers-on-strike.html
http://ucunorthern.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/gateshead-college-lecturers-take-strike.html
http://ucunorthern.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/ucu-members-at-gateshead-college-take.html
http://ucunorthern.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/gateshead-college-ucu-members-show.html

 
 

Gateshead College Lecturers on strike at the start of the new term

UCU Pickets at the main Baltic Campus

Pickets at Gateshead College Skills Academy, Team Valley Trading Estate

Lecturers at Gateshead College took to the picket lines this morning to protest once again over a dispute about conditions of service.  The dispute continues as a deal on workload and working conditions has yet to be agreed.

The College have downgraded some lecturers to "facilitators", many on the picket line feeling that their skills and experience have been ignored.  "The talents of our lecturers are just not being valued", was a comment expressed by many.

There was good support at all picket lines.  At the Skills Academy, many drivers showed their support by beeping their horns as they drove along the Kingsway.  When the Police turned up, Jon Bryan (Regional Support Official for UCU) spoke to them about the action and why UCU members were on strike.  The Officer explained that our strike action had been "logged" by the College and so they came down to investigate.  One of the pickets commented - "Its good that it's having an effect!"

There was some consternation on the picket lines when members were told that the Principal was on business in the Far East.  "Perhaps he should be paying more attention to issues that are closer to home", was a common view being expressed.

Ritchie Bathgate, Chair of the UCU Branch at Gateshead College said:

Members have shown great resolve by voting again for strike action in pursuit of an agreement on workload which we believe will protect the quality of education we deliver.  We will continue this dispute until we have a deal that we can all sign up to.

A further strike by UCU members has been called for Wednesday 10th October 2012.

For more details on this long-running dispute:
http://ucunorthern.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/gateshead-college-lecturers-take-strike.html
http://ucunorthern.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/gateshead-college-ucu-members-show.html

2nd Remploy Strike - supported by UCU, Gateshead MP Ian Mearns and many more!

Gateshead MP Ian Mearns (centre) at the Remploy Picket Line, along with Joyce McAndrew (UCU Regional Support Official) and other supporters - including Gateshead Councillors Martin Gannon and Angela Douglas


Workers at Remploy who are members of the GMB and UNITE unions were on strike again today, and one of the picket lines at their factory on Dukesway, Team Valley, Gateshead, was visited by Joyce McAndrew from UCU, Ian Mearns, MP and many others.

The strike is over the threat to closure and the consequent loss of livelihood and more details of the dispute (and the action from last week) can be found here:
http://ucunorthern.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/ucu-shows-it-support-for-workers-on.html

Val Scott, Regional Organiser for GMB, is asked what we can do to help:

by sending messages of support through the links of the remploy workers website at www.remployworkers.info follow the links to Facebook and twitter or sign the petition to save remploy factories at www.saveremployfactories.co.uk

Val also tells us about the background to this dispute:

Remploy workers have participated in a ballot for industrial action which was overwhelmingly accepted. There is currently a continuous ban on overtime and 2 days of strike action on Thursday 19th and Thursday 26th July 2012.

There are currently 52 Remploy factories in the UK, 7 of which are based in the Northern Region. We are outraged at the decision taken by the Government to close 27 of the 36 Remploy factories in the phase 1 closure programme which include the factories at Spennymoor, Gateshead, Newcastle, Ashington and Cleator Moor (Sunderland is part of phase 2 and Barrow has a potential buyer).

On Thursday 5th July 2012 the Company announced to the workforce they were considering the alternative business plan submitted by the Consortium of Trade Unions (GMB, Unite, Community and Aspect), and then on Tuesday 10th July 2012  they announced to the workforce the closure of their sites without informing the Trade Unions that formal consultation had been brought to an end. They did not give us the opportunity of making representations on behalf of Remploy workers and had total disregard for the whole consultation process.

The strike action taken by Remploy workers is done on a two fold basis, which includes the disgraceful way they have conducted the consultations in having total disregard of any proposals put forward by the trade Unions, and secondly the package on offer to disabled workers has been significantly reduced from the Voluntary package on offer in 2011 which will mean those workers compulsory redundant who are highly unlikely to secure alternative employment in the current climate are at least £5,000 worse off.

UCU sent doughnuts to the picket line at Team Valley, which seemed to go down well, according to Ian Mearns' Twitter feed @IanMearnsMP:

At the factory gate where we have just received a solidarity visit from UCU members bearing doughnuts https://twitter.com/IanMearnsMP/status/228411217109213184/photo/1

UCU shows its support for workers on strike at Remploy, Gateshead

GMB and UNITE Picket Line, Remploy, 331 Dukesway Court Team Valley Trading Estate NE11 0BH

Just two cars in the car park behind - belonging to the HR person and the manager!

Joyce McAndrew, UCU Regional Support Official, shows support at the picket line at Remploy

Staff from the UCU Regional Office in Gateshead were out on the picket line this morning, showing support for those on strike at Remploy.  Jon Bryan and Joyce McAndrew went to show their support for the action which has been taken by GMB and UNITE members against the closure of their factory and the consequent loss of jobs.

Facing the loss of their livelihoods, the workers were angry, defiant and would be on strike again on Thursday 26th July 2012.

"Its great that people have come down here to show their support", was the clear message from the pickets, "We will be back here again taking action".

Show your support by signing the petition: http://saveremployfactories.co.uk/, following the campaign on Twitter @saveremploy and visiting the picket lines next week.

For more details and some of the media coverage:
http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/25571
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/121586
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=29110
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/9798706.Remploy_staff_vote_in_favour_of_strike_action_to_halt_closures/
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/tyneandwear/9809206.MP_s_anger_over_Remploy_closures/

Click here to got to a video on "The Guardian" website about Remploy and today's dispute

UCU at the 2012 Durham Miners' Gala



Dave O'Toole, Branch Development Organiser for UCU in SW Region and Ritchie Bathgate, Chair of UCU at Gateshead College, set up the Banner at the Gala

 

UCU member Maureen Rankin, Ritchie Bathgate, Jude Letham (Regional Secretary of UCU) Dave O'Toole and Norman Jemison (Secretary of UCU's Retired Members, Northern Region)

UCU and the Regional Banner once again were at the Durham Miners' Gala, Saturday 14th July 2012.  While it became a talking point this year as it was the first time that a Labour Leader had addressed the Gala in 23 years, UCU are a regular feature.  The President of UCU (Kathy Taylor) and the Vice-President (John McCormack) were on the platform with other promient labour and trade union figures.

Other representatives and members of UCU were at the Gala to take part in what is the largest remaining working class demonstration in the country.

Gateshead College Lecturers take strike action

Gateshead College lecturers were on strike today as talks aimed at resolving the dispute over jobs, contracts and pay had stalled.  The dispute had been announced by the union when the College released plans to downgrade staff and pay before the Easter break.  It was thought that a resolution had been found, but there have been some difficulties in negotiations over some of the detail.

Ritchie Bathgate, newly elected Branch Chair for UCU at Gateshead College, commented on today’s strike action:

Today’s action was a success and was very well supported by the membership of UCU. Over 75 members were on picket line duty and many more supported the strike call by staying away from their workplaces.

Members are angry that the College has not concluded an agreement on workloads for next year, which we think would resolve the dispute and would enable us to provide students with the quality education that they deserve.

College management are not giving proper recognition for the work that goes on outside of the classroom – the preparation for lessons and the marking workload – which is integral to the job of being a lecturer.

We want to resolve this dispute, but through an agreement which we can all sign up to for the benefit of present (and future) staff and students.

Strike action is regrettable, but a last resort.  We hope that we can find a way forward through this and are committed to working for a resolution.

For more details on the dispute and the action:

http://tinyurl.com/gheaducu1

http://tinyurl.com/gheaducu2

http://tinyurl.com/gheaducu3

http://tinyurl.com/gheaducu4

http://tinyurl.com/gheaducu5

http://tinyurl.com/gheaducu7

The Northern Regional Committee of UCU prepares for its Annual General Meeting

Representatives of UCU from across both HE and FE will come together on Saturday 30th June 2012 for the Annual General Meeting of UCU's Northern Regional Committee.

Delegates from Branches and Local Associations to the Regional Committee, along with NEC members in the region, will meet to decide upon the next year's priorities.  The meeting will also elect Regional Officers and the Regional Executive.

More details about the Northern Regional Committee can be found here: http://www.ucu.org.uk/northerncommittee

UCU takes strike action at Sunderland College to defend pay and conditions

Pickets at Usworth Sixth Form - a welcome break from the rain!

Hylton Campus Picket Line - car park behind almost deserted

Pickets at St Peter's Sixth Form, with colleagues from Northumbria and Newcastle Universities

Bede Campus Picket Line taking natural shelter

Shiney Row Campus - Pickets supported by the students

Picket Lines at the various Campuses and Centres of Sunderland College were up and running from 7.00a.m. this morning as UCU members took strike action over attacks on their pay and conditions.

Barry Campbell, Chair of the UCU Branch at Sunderland College explains:

Being asked to take pay cuts of up to a third is not something that members are just going to accept - and that is why we are striking today.  We are hoping for a resolution, but not under what is currently on offer.

Cath Hepburn, Vice-Chair of the Branch says:

Thanks to all of our pickets today - some of whom are on strike for the first time over an issue like this.  The rain did not dampen either our spirits, or our determination 

Today's strike has already been covered in the local media:
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/education/sunderland-college-lectures-take-to-picket-lines-over-plans-to-cut-pay-1-4601143

Full details of the dispute can be found at http://tinyurl.com/citysunucu11 and at http://tinyurl.com/citysunucu6

Lecturers explain why they are taking action (YouTube clips) http://tinyurl.com/citysunucu8, http://tinyurl.com/citysunucu9, http://tinyurl.com/citysunucu10

Messages of support to barry.campbell@citysun.ac.uk or gateshead@ucu.org.uk

Message of Support from NUT to UCU for May 10th Pensions Strike

NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERS

secretary@northumberland.nut.org.uk

www.northumberlandnut.co.uk
   

MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO UCU FOR 10TH MAY 2012

Can you please pass on the best wishes of Northumberland NUT to members of UCU fighting in defence of pensions.

Like you, we are now paying more for our pensions.

Last month alone teachers paid an extra £25 million in pension contributions to the Government. By April 2013 we will have paid a massive £300 million more. 

Increased contributions, together with the pay freeze, mean that this is the first time in generations that teachers' take-home pay has been cut.

The Government wants to increase our contributions even more over the next two years and, in return, give us less of a pension and make us work longer before we receive it. It is outrageous that the Government is taking this money and refusing either to negotiate or to carry out the long overdue valuation of the Teachers' Pension Scheme. This is unfair and unjust.

 

Like UCU, the NUT has not signed up to the Government's proposals. We are talking to other teacher unions with a view to coordinating our campaigns on this and many other attacks that we are facing in the teaching profession. In the meantime we are committed to working with any and all unions to defend the interests of teachers and other public sector workers.

We wish you good luck for the 10^th of May and hope that we will be joining you in action.

Christine Carruthers
Division Secretary
Northumberland NUT

Vin Wynne, from the NUT, speaking at the May 10th Pensions Justice Rally in Newcastle

Further information from May 10th Action in the North East:

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/05/11/north-east-workers-protest-against-pension-plans-video-72703-30946331/

Sally Hunt, UCU General Secretary, visits picket line at Northumbria University

Pickets were in force at Northumbria University Campuses on Thursday 10th May 2012 for a one-day strike, as the union continues to campaign against government imposed changes to TPS.  These changes are already beginning to have an impact as increased pension contributions took effect in April and members of TPS found their wage packets somewhat lighter.

UCU's Sally Hunt was in Newcastle to visit pickets and speak to members and representatives of UCU, accompanied by Iain Owens (Regional Official) and John McCormack (who becomes Vice-President of UCU next month).  After picket line duty, members went to the Rally at Newcastle Grey's Monument to hear the speakers, including Kevin McHugh from PCS.  His speech can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_HfD86Tdw.

A news report about the Rally, including an interview with Unite's Martin Wright, can be found here:

http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/20262

"Wet weather wont dampen our spirits" - the message from UCU at Northumbria University

 

Newcastle University UCU members hand over a collection donated in solidarity by ordinary members to Northumbria University members at the Coach Lane campus

Northumbria University Branch Banner at the Pensions Justice Rally in Newcastle

 Northumbria University Branch Chair of UCU, Martin Levy, spoke about the strike action:

Despite the dreadful weather, and anxieties expressed by some members about the timing of this strike, we have had a very successful day, mounting picket lines and even collecting for the Branch’s hardship fund.  The University was noticeably quiet with very few academic staff at work.  The visit by the General Secretary was a real boost.  On behalf of the Branch Executive, I would like to thank all of those who supported the NEC's call to take action - and especially those who braved the weather and joined the picket lines.

City of Sunderland College take strike action on pensions, while concerns still exist about proposed changes to pay and conditions

UCU members at City of Sunderland College had pickets at their five main centres today to show their support for the national strike action called by the UCU National Executive Committee, as part of the continued fight about government imposed pension changes.

At the Bede Campus, pickets were joined by UCU's National Head of Further Education, Barry Lovejoy.  Visitors to the picket lines to show their support also included representatives from Sunderland University UCU, Sunderland Against the Cuts (http://sunderlandagainstthecuts.co.uk/) and a Unite health worker who was also on strike.  Jon Bryan and other staff from the UCU Regional Office were also on the picket line to show their support.

The picket line gave the opportunity for UCU representatives and members to discuss the attack on pay and conditions that they are seeing locally.  Barry Lovejoy listened attentively to pickets and heard how the College's proposals would drastically impact on members living standards, as well as the quality of education that they provide.  Pickets then went to the Rally in Newcastle to join with PCS and others taking action on pensions, where Cath Hepburn (Vice-Chair of Sunderland College UCU) gave an inspirational address.

Pickets at Bede Campus, City of Sunderland College, May 10

UCU's Barry Lovejoy, listening to the concerns of members

The College proposals to downgrade lecturers were a hot topic of conversation on the picket line

For more on the UCU strike on pensions in Sunderland, go to:
http://www.sun-fm.com/news/local/676418/sunderland-staff-join-national-strike/
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/education/sunderland-workers-take-to-the-picket-lines-in-anger-at-government-1-4532187
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/may/09/public-sector-workers-strike-cuts
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/education/university-lecturers-walk-out-on-strike-1-4527988
http://www.citysun.ac.uk/2012/05/strike-action-2/

For details and media coverage about the attack on pay and conditions at City of Sunderland College, go to:
http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=6072&from=1676
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-17895224
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/education/latest-news-college-staff-to-vote-on-pay-strike-1-4500359
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/education/lecturers-pay-strike-vote-comes-after-slap-in-the-face-over-improved-results-1-4502267
http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/update/2012-04-30/strike-ballot-over-salary-cuts/
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=28414
http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/716/14454/02-05-2012/workplace-news-in-brief
http://www.workersliberty.org/story/2012/05/01/sunderland-college-strike-ballot-greenwich-libraries-strike-new-nuj-chapel-wapping
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2012/may2012/wkrs-m04.shtml
http://feweek.co.uk/2012/04/27/college-redundancies-and-restructures/

Facebook Campaign Page
https://www.facebook.com/#!/UcuCampaignSunderlandCollege

Bishop Auckland College Pickets visited by Head Office staff

Pickets at Bishop Auckland College were up early and on duty this morning to show support for the national day of strike action on pensions.  Barry Lovejoy, UCU's National Head of Further Education came to show his support for the picket.  Jon Bryan, Regional Support Official, also came to show solidarity with UCU members at the College taking action.

Dave Johnson, Chair of UCU at Bishop Auckland College comments:

It was a wet morning and an early start for the pickets, but we were joined by others as the morning went on.  The College is on a busy road and we got a lot of support from passing motorists who tooted their horns.  The action was at a difficult time for us, but we thought it was important to show our continued opposition to the attack on pensions by the Coalition Government.

Getting support from both Head Office and Regional Office was a good boost for us and it reminds members and Reps that we are not alone.  A cold morning in mid-May on the picket line is always that little bit better when we get support from other colleagues - especially when they bring spare pairs of gloves!

Dave Johnson (Chair), Sheila Viney (Vice-Chair), Christine Grogan (Equality Officer), Phil Marshall (Picket), Barry Lovejoy (National Head of FE)

Darlington College support the national call for action on pensions

"Strong as ever at Darlington College, around 40 members turned out in the pouring rain to defend their Pensions, with others deciding to stay at home.

Our members believe that protecting pensions is a fight we need to win and is an essential part of our working conditions. However, to maintain the momentum our leadership needs to have a clear strategy which ramps up the pressure on this Government, odd days are not going to work."

Eddy Adam, UCU Branch Secretary, Darlington College,

on behalf of UCU members

Press Coverage on the action http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/9698816.Strike_Latest__Union_members_picket_at_Darlington_College/

Allilengyi! (αλληλεγγύη – Greek for Solidarity)



Despina Koutsoumba and Foutis Georgiadis from the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and a civil servants’ union,

Paul Mackney Former General Secretary of NATFHE,

Cath Hepburn UCU Vice Chair Sunderland College and Jude Letham UCU Centre Rep, Sunderland College

Hearing of the disputes with management at both Sunderland College and Gateshead College, the Coalition of Resistance in Newcastle asked for speakers from UCU to address their meeting last night (Thursday 26^th April).  The main topic was “Solidarity v Austerity – Report back from Greece” but UCU were given the platform first, to highlight local events. 

Cath Hepburn, as UCU FE Sector Regional Secretary and NEC member (elect) was able to speak for both colleges, outlining the drastic cuts to salary that hundreds of academic staff will face.  People were shocked at the level of percentage cuts (between 25% and 33% for most staff) placing the majority of lecturers in the two colleges below the national average wage and the average starting salary of a graduate.  There was some discussion on the implications this could have for both schools and universities. 

Many verbal messages of support were given from the floor and an information leaflet prepared by UCU Regional Office was distributed, along with details of UCU Sunderland College Branch Facebook campaign.

Paul Mackney, who many of you will remember as NATFHE’s General Secretary, began by drawing together the two parts of the meeting by telling us that the greatest lesson that other countries can learn from the situation in Greece is to fight public service cuts and the type of cuts to salaries and working conditions that Sunderland College and Gateshead College academic staff are facing.

Despina and Foutis, trade unionists who work for the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, gave powerful testimonies about the drastic decline in living standards in Greece, rising suicide rates and homelessness.  Their message for other countries aiming to avoid the same fate is to fight back against public service cuts.  Fight now and fight hard.

For more information:  www.greecesolidarity.org

UCU members at Gateshead College take their views to the public

An old slogan - but a relevant one!

UCU members at Gateshead College gather to let the public know what is happening #no2paycuts

Standing together and standing strong

UCU members from Gateshead College branch are facing pay cuts of up to 25% as senior management seek to tear up the existing conditions of service and impose new ones.  The cuts come just months after a Freedom of Information request reveals the levels of pay of senior managment.  For more details, go to http://tinyurl.com/gheaducu3

The branch decided that it would use the opportunity of a College Open Event to make their point http://www.gateshead.ac.uk/events/open-events/full-time-course-open-event-april/.  They gathered with leaflets and placards and spoke to the public to explain about the dispute.  Alan Reynolds, one of the UCU representatives at Gateshead College says:

"We have spoken to the public coming in to the open evening and alerted them to what is going on.  They are quite shocked when they hear about the proposals to cut pay by a quarter.  The support from staff, students and the public has been very good - and we are sure that this will continue."

Around 40 staff and students came to the protest, designed to coincide with the advice event.  UCU members wore rosettes both inside whilst giving advice and outside whilst handing out leaflets about the dispute.

The dispute has already been covered in the media http://tinyurl.com/gheaducu1 and it is clear that this is just the start of things to come.

Commenting on the good support, Alan Reynolds says

"Members of the public were all too willing to lend support to the lecturers saying that the cut in pay and demands for extra work were hardly credible."