In its most recent meeting a couple of weeks ago, the FEC took an important decision to build for a nationally aggregated ballot. This decision will provide a clear strategy to fight for FE members pay and better conditions. The FEC called for members to be balloted to take strike action for an above inflation pay rise + 2%, binding national structures and a national workload agreement. There will be a consultative ballot first after which a FESC will be held to debate the next steps. This is a very welcome and necessary step forward in fighting for a properly funded FE sector, with pay that values the work of FE members. #RespectFE!
FE colleagues have gained some important local victories, through individual branches fighting back and, over the past year, through the nationally coordinated Respect FE campaign. The reps and branch activists must be commended as they have worked tirelessly to get these wins, but now is the time to move to national action.
Firstly, as a union – we must provide strength in unity to all of our members. By building a nationally aggregated ballot we can provide support to branches that have struggled to get action locally. And those branches that haven’t won gains need the support of the union to keep fighting so they don’t feel like they are fighting alone. Secondly, there is a limit to which local branches can win by themselves. Out of the 33 branches that have been in dispute over pay, 13 are still unresolved. Poorer colleges will claim there is no money as they are severely underfunded. Even in wealthier colleges where senior management are on sky high salaries which could be cut to ensure teachers gain fairer pay – there is a limit without increased funding.
National action is necessary so the union can take aim at the employers as a whole and the government to demand increased funding to secure over inflation pay rises. FE colleges have recently been reclassified as public sector bodies; therefore, they should gain parity with teachers and we must demand that they have proper national pay bargaining that ensures more money for the sector.
It is right that this action is taken now. The situation in FE is dire, the sector has lost 25,000 jobs and wages have been cut by 30% over the last decade due to inflation and stagnating pay. Our FE members need the full weight of the union behind them in order to save this vital sector in our society. NEU colleagues, alongside tens of thousands of other workers, are striking for better pay, people can see that teachers need to be valued more.
FE worked miracles in the pandemic to support young people to continue their learning and provide them with vital emotional and social support. But young people are still scarred physically and mentally, and need support. Adult students need places to go to refresh their skills and to enrol on courses that expand their education. Society needs colleges that can provide these opportunities and second chances. It shouldn’t be overlooked and woefully underfunded, with teachers left exhausted and unable to pay their bills.
At a time when we are seeing the largest fightback by workers to improve their pay for a generation, the FEC decision to join the national fight for better pay and funding is the right one. This is a strategy that can win.
Maria Chondrogianni 