College strike hailed a success by lecturers (From Times Series)

Lecturers at Barnet College could strike again over pay and pensions

4:52pm Tuesday 29th March 2011 in News By Alex Hayes

FURTHER strikes have not been ruled out following a walk out by dozens of lecturers at two Barnet college campuses last Thursday.

Around 60 teachers joined picket lines throughout the day at the Wood Street and Grahame Park centres to protest at planned job cuts, minimal pay offers and changes to pensions.

David Armstrong, the University College Lecturer Union branch secretary, said the action had caused widespread disruption.

He told the Times Series: “People are very angry. The way the pensions are being messed about with is shameful.

“Very few classes were running, and we regret that obviously. It’s so difficult as further education has been under the financial hammer in recent years.

“The fact is teachers have to work for 40 years to get half their final salary when they retire, most people are burnt out before that. Women are hit even harder, if they go off to have a baby and come back part time their pension suffers with it.”

Mr Armstrong said there were no more strikes planned at the moment, but did not rule out the possibility of colaborative action with other unions if a national strike is called.

However college principal Marilyn Hawkins, said many classes continued to run despite Thursday's action.

She added: “Our students always come first. The college remained operational and we're pleased to say a significant amount of planned teaching and learning took place."