TUC Urges College to Resolve Dispute

The Northern TUC has today called upon the Region’s largest College to use ACAS to end its current dispute with lecturer’s union NATFHE.

Lecturers have participated in a number of strike days with more planned in the weeks ahead in a dispute with the College over pay. Newcastle College is refusing to implement nationally agreed pay rises without stringent changes to the working conditions of lecturers.

Northern TUC Regional Secretary, Kevin Rowan, said:

'In relative terms lecturers pay has fallen while teachers’ pay has risen dramatically. It is right that we value those providing education for our children, we should also value those giving education and training to adults, old and young, too. This region has a phenomenal adult skills challenge and it is critical that we have well paid, well treated, well supported lecturers to meet that challenge.

'The pay rise and changes to the pay structure were agreed amicably at a national level, it is hugely disappointing that Newcastle College, one of the more well-resourced colleges in the region hasn’t implemented the deal in full, without any tinkering.

'What is particularly concerning for all is the damage this dispute is doing to the reputation of the college and unions are angry, disappointed and confused at the college’s refusal to bring in ACAS to help settle the strike. It would appear that the management of the college are not genuinely interested in finding a resolution.'