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