Workers at Barnsley College will strike on Monday 11 September due to the college’s repeated refusal to engage in pay discussions, says UNISON.
Staff voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, with more than 90% of votes cast in favour.
The college, which maintains it does not negotiate pay locally, implemented a 2% pay increase in January for all employees, along with a one-off payment of £300.
UNISON says this is below the pay recommendation put forward by the Association of Colleges (AoC) for the 2022/23 academic year, of a 2.5% pay rise and one-off payment of either £500 or £750 based on salary.
The union balloted the staff it represents in May, at which point Barnsley College proposed changing the pay structure to increase pay for all staff. The changes would see some staff move up to the next pay point in their grade, and £500 pay increases for managers.
There was no negotiation or consultation on the change of structure, and UNISON was informed the college would only implement it if the union ended the dispute.
The change was never put to UNISON as a pay offer, due to the college’s refusal to negotiate over pay.
UNISON has held talks with college management through the arbitration service Acas – during which managers confirmed the proposed financial changes have been imposed without negotiation or consultation.
The employer still refuses to negotiate with UNISON over pay in future, says the union.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Robin Symonds said: “Barnsley College is refusing to engage in any pay negotiations, while bringing in a pay increase below what was recommended by the Association of Colleges.
“This is a show of complete disrespect to workers, especially during a cost of living crisis. Staff won’t stand for it.
“Despite UNISON’s best efforts to hold talks, the college refuses to negotiate over pay.
“This walkout isn’t only about the college’s unwillingness to give staff a decent pay rise in the current financial climate, it’s also about being able to negotiate better wages in future.”
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